Joanne Rose Johannsen

Joey was born on January 16, 1935 to Glenn and Rose Groth (Paulsen). She and her sister Patricia (Kayser) were born and raised in Pipestone, MN. Growing up, Joey was known for her passion and dedication to music. She played French horn in the band and small ensembles, did lots of accompanying of instrumentalists, vocalists, school choirs and served as church organist

at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Pipestone, MN, from a very young age until she left home. Joey served as a music librarian in the band and chorus departments at the high school and also worked summers as a life guard at the city pool. In 1953, she graduated from Pipestone High School.

Although she had plans to attend airline stewardess school after graduation, Joey instead was admittedly “swept off her feet” by Richard Johannsen. On March 21, 1954 Joey married Richard (Dick) in Pipestone, MN and the two were married 59 years before Richard’s passing in 2013.

Dick and Joey were blessed with 5 boys, Rick, Tom, Rob (Kelley), Andy (Dianne) and Matt (Jacque) and 11 grandchildren (Kirsten, Christopher, Shane, Brent, Kyle, Kristen, Dustin, Kassandra, Kelsey, Madeline and Anthony) and one great grandchild (James). Because Dick served in the military, Joey was adept at moving often throughout the years and the family lived in Riverside, CA; Cherry Point, NC; Danvers, MA; Houston, TX, Kodiak, AK and San Diego, CA before retiring to Fort Collins, CO. A highlight of the moves was driving down the Alcan highway from Alaska to Minnesota (prior to reporting to San Diego) with 5 kids (including a 6 month old), a cat and dog. Joey continued her musical passion by playing piano the majority of her adult life at home and at church. She was also passionate about antiques and collectables and she owned/operated several small business over the years servicing those

areas. She also enjoyed reading, playing mahjong with friends, cooking, sewing, knitting and quilting.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dick, son Rick and grandson Kyle.

Joey is survived by sons Tom, Rob, Andy, Matt and 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 21 at 10:00 AM at Word of Life Lutheran Church located at 3207 S. Taft Hill Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80526. Reception to follow.

Donations may be made to Word of Life Lutheran Church.