Joanne Marie Hanson

March 9, 1932 – June 28, 2025

Joanne “Topsy” Marie Hanson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, at the age of 93. Born and raised in Minneapolis on March 9, 1932, to Anton Peter and Mabel Corrine Gjengdahl, Joanne was the heart and soul of a family that adored her as much as she adored them.

The only girl and eldest sibling, Joanne shared a deep and lifelong bond with her brothers, Robert and Roger. Her love for them was fierce and unwavering, just like the love she poured into every one of her relationships. She cherished her two children, Linda and Paul, with all her heart, and she was deeply devoted to her nieces, nephews and grandchildren, who always had her wrapped around their fingers. She had six great-grandchildren, one very special great-great-grandchild, and many beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She always claimed to have no favorites, and enjoyed long conversations with many of them.

Joanne’s gentle heart radiated kindness. She saw the best in everyone and made sure to tell them so,even if this was not reciprocated or wanted. If you said a little prayer and “gave it your best shot,” she believed you could do anything,and then so did you. Her strength, determination, and stubborn streak (undoubtedly passed down from her mother) were matched only by her soft heart and her gift for making others feel seen, loved, and special.

Known for her love of all things blue, including her eyeshadow, Joanne also adored butterflies, angels, and any chance to sing and dance. Her toe was always tapping to some tune, and her voice often filled the room. She was an enthusiastic conversationalist and talking on the phone to friends and family was more than a habit, it was her joy.

A proud lifelong Minneapolitan, Joanne loved sharing stories of her childhood in the city she held dear. Her strong Christian faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She loved to pray, either with you, for you, or just because—and her belief in the power of faith was something she passed down through generations.

Joanne’s life will be honored on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 with a Funeral Service at 11:30 AM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, and burial will follow the service at 12:45 PM.

Please wear blue—her favorite color and a symbol of the light she brought into all our lives.

In every butterfly, every song, and every whispered prayer, Joanne lives on—forever loved, forever missed, and always remembered.

Our cherished grandmother Topsy has departed, leaving our hearts shattered. She was the core of our family - compassionate, resilient, and overflowing with love. Her warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength impacted the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. We aspire to give her a beautiful and dignified farewell that reflects the love and legacy her remarkable spirit has bestowed upon us... We are deeply grateful to each of you for your kindness, support, and prayers during this challenging time.

Link to Joanne's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/e2ae6e75