Joann (Perkins) Baunsgard, our beloved mother, grandma and friend, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday morning, September 6, 2019. Joann was born to Lillie Florence and John Julian Perkins on November 27, 1935, in Odell, Oregon. She was predeceased in 2015 by her older sister, Oleta Lavene Whitfield.
Joann’s growing up years were filled with a loving Christian family, a variety of church activities at Hood River Assembly of God, and hard work on her father’s fruit orchard. She was proficient in piano, and she always came home with straight “A” grades—to the pleasure of her father. Her family's favorite vacation spot was Newport, Oregon, where her father loved deep-sea fishing. “Jo,” as her family lovingly called her, was right beside her father on many a fishing trip.
Joann was a leader and valedictorian at Hood River High School, where she played volleyball and softball. Jo’s daddy rewarded her with trips to Portland, Oregon, to shop for school clothes after long summers of working in the orchards.
After high school graduation, Joann pursued her college education at Northwest Bible College (now Northwest University) which was at the time located in Seattle. There she pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree. At the beginning of her junior year, she met the love of her life, a tall, curly-haired blonde young man by the name of Allen Lee Baunsgard. They began dating and after graduating were married in August 1958.
Joann and Allen began ministry together at the Assembly of God church in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Both of their daughters were born in Deadwood, South Dakota: Doreen Renee in 1959 and Denice Joann in 1961.
Joann led a life of ministry, evangelism and discipling people for Christ. She had a passion for intercessory prayer and prayed often for family and friends. Joann’s love for music provided opportunities to lead church choirs at several of the churches where she and Allen pastored.
Joann is survived by Allen, her spouse of 61 years, her daughters Dori Baunsgard and Denice French, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
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