JoAnn M. (Boberg) Walstad

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dale Walstad, her father, Joseph Boberg, mother, Nellie (Jankowski) Boberg her sisters, Erma Raeder, Lenora Boberg, Vera Kreid, Eileen Kujak, and twin sister, Janice Boberg., brothers, Arthur Boberg, and Lavern Boberg. JoAnn is survived by her loving family, daughter, Nancy Tollison (Bob), sons, Rick Walstad and Tim Walstad (Michelle), grandsons, Christian Walstad, Nick Walstad (Morgan), and Alex Tollison. granddaughters, Amanda Ammouri, Natalie Ammouri (Zack), Andrea Tollison (Christi), Christine Sedam (Graham), 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

JoAnn graduated from Sparta High School, Sparta Wis, Class of 1953. Upon graduation, she moved to St. Paul where she got a job working for St. Mary’s Nursing Home. After she transferred to Midway Hospital in St Paul she met her future husband, Dale Walstad, on a blind date. They were married on June 2, 1956, and were blessed with six children, three of whom are now deceased.

After working at Midway for a few years she transferred to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, where she worked in the Nursery Department for over 32 years. She retired in 1997 after taking care of over a thousand newborns.

Her affiliations included lifetime memberships at the American Legion, VFW, and St Tim’s Ladies Auxiliary. Her hobbies included gardening, going to the casino, crocheting, home interiors, and cheering on her favorite sports teams, including the Minnesota Twins, Golden Gophers, and Timberwolves, but most importantly, the Green Bay Packers. Her other favorite team was anybody that was playing the Minnesota Vikings.

JoAnn was a loving, caring, hard-working, and patient woman. When her twin sister, Janice, who was injured as a child, ended up needing home healthcare, JoAnn stepped up, caring for Janice at home for over 20 years. She loved being a Wife, Mother, Aunt, Grandma, and Great Grandma.

Visitation will be 5 pm til 7 pm, on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Gearhart Funeral Home (11275 Foley Blvd. NW., Coon Rapids). Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Church of St. Timothy (707 89th Ave. NE., Blaine) with Visitation 10:00 am until time of mass. Interment will be at Fort Snelling on Monday, January 22 at 1:30 PM.

Donations in lieu of flowers, can be made to either the American Cancer Society or the March for Dimes.

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JoAnn’s ’s Eulogy, delivered by Natalie Ammouri, Granddaughter

Hello family, and friends,

I stand here before you with a heavy heart, filled with nostalgia, gratitude and an immense love for this soul who lived her life with an amazing spirit and incredible kindness. A woman I knew and loved my entire lifetime, my Grandmother Joann Walstad. I've always admired my Grandma Jo, a lady whose strength and resilience knew no bounds.

We’re here to remember and celebrate her extraordinary life. For as long as I can remember, Grandma Jo has been a constant presence in my life—a beacon of love, and wisdom.

Reflecting on her life, it's impossible not to marvel at her journey. Born on December 19th, alongside her twin sister Janice, Grandma's life began with a fight for survival. Weighing just over three pounds, she and Janice were fed with eye droppers, kept warm in shoeboxes by the stovetop. This beginning, marked by resilience and care, foreshadowed the incredible life Grandma Jo would lead.

She went on to graduate in 1953 and marry my grandfather Dale in 1956 and teach him things like crafting and keeping the house clean. Someone also shared with me that she had to teach him how to dance (how cute is that?)

One of my most cherished memories is of her caring for her handicapped twin sister Janice throughout their lives. To care for her sister in a way that puts the way we love on others to shame. This selflessness was a testament to her unwavering love and dedication to family—a value she instilled in all of us.

As a nurse for 32 years, her career was not just a job but her calling. She wore her uniform like a badge of honor caring for over a thousand babies and comforting them for over 3 decades. She dedicated her life to helping others. Her nurturing spirit wasn't confined to her profession; it was a defining trait that she carried into every aspect of her life. She was a pillar of strength for our family, especially during the trying times she and Grandpa faced trying to start a family. Despite losing three babies in infancy, their perseverance and love eventually blessed them with three wonderful children: my mother Nancy, Uncle Rick, and Uncle Tim. Through these experiences, Grandma Jo’s strength and kindheartedness shined the brightest.

Grandma Jo greatest achievement, in my eyes, wasn't just her esteemed nursing career, but the way she raised her children. She shaped them into incredible individuals, mirroring her compassion, resilience, and kindness. Another one of my cherished memories was when Grandma Jo helped to bring me into this world. Her caring hands and comforting voice were the first sensations I encountered in this world. But this is not just about me; she was like this with everyone, always the selfless nurturer, always the rock in our family

Her love extended beyond her immediate family. When my parents divorced, she welcomed us into her home, allowing us little hooligans to be a part of her daily life. Her home was a sanctuary of love and care, where her warm smile and open arms were a constant.

Even in her later years, when her abilities started to wane, she never lost her spirit. I fondly recall the times I'd come over and help her with chores like pulling weeds or mowing the lawn and afterwards, we'd share a beer. She'd insist on giving me money, despite my protests, always making sure I was taken care of. Her pantry was always stocked, her door always open.

In our final moments together, holding her hand, ( mine were freezing) I remember her saying, "Cold hands mean warm hearts." This simple phrase encapsulated everything she stood for—kindness, wisdom, and love, even in the face of death. Grandma Jo's smile, her hugs, and the sheer presence of her tremendous love for her family are what I'll miss the most.

As a fervent Packers fan, Grandma Jo enthusiasm was infectious. Many a Sunday was spent with her cheering loudly at the TV, her spirit undiminished by age. Her love for polka and worship music, her hobbies like crocheting and visiting casinos, all added colorful facets to her vibrant personality.

In remembering Grandma Jo I want us all to cherish the image of a woman who was the glue that held our family together.

She was a woman who, through every challenge and joy, remained a nurturing soul, always ready with words of wisdom and boundless love.

As we say our goodbyes, let's carry forward her legacy—of love, resilience, and kindness. Let's hold onto the memories, let them guide us, and allow her spirit to live on in each of us.

Grandma Jo, your memory will forever be a beacon of light in our lives. We love you, we miss you, and we thank you for everything.