Joanne Adelle (Buan) Nelson, age 90, of Anoka died on July 15, 2024. Despite her battle with Alzheimer's, she maintained until the end the qualities that made her beloved by all who knew her, especially her strong faith, kindness, compassion, humility, integrity, generosity and devotion to her family. She lived a remarkable life as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Joanne was born on December 11, 1933 in Mayville, ND to Lilly (Domier) and Olai Buan. After graduating from UND, Joanne began her home economics teaching career in Thief River Falls. Through her landlord, she met a gentleman named Cliff Nelson; they got married on June 17, 1956 in Grand Forks, ND. They were happily married nearly 67 years before Cliff's passing in April of 2023. They moved to Anoka where Joanne began working with the Anoka County Extension Office as a County Home Agent. Soon after, she started teaching within the Anoka-Hennepin School District until her retirement in 1998. Trustworthy and kind, she was highly respected by those with whom she worked and taught. Joanne thrived by being active in her community. Shortly after she and Cliff moved to Anoka, they became members of Zion Lutheran Church where they served, worshiped and raised
their children. Joanne was involved in many ways over the years including Bible studies and women's ministries, altar guild, prayer ministry, shut-in ministry, congregational godparents, Meals on Wheels delivery, Family Promise, teaching third grade Sunday School, Naomi Circle and helping to oversee the annual Lutefisk & Lefse dinner for 25 years. Joanne also held memberships and enjoyed fellowship in PEO, Philolectian Society, ladies Bridge club, and other community groups. For more than 50 years she and Cliff played in a couple's Bridge club, establishing lifelong friendships. All educators, Joanne and the other three women in their bridge club took many summertime trips, each organized by Cliff. Joanne was also a Mary Kay representative for many years. Joanne and Cliff were active band parents as well, chaperoning several marching band, orchestra and concert band trips including Washington, DC and Quebec. She cherished the connections and friendships that developed through all these activities. When both Joanne and Cliff had retired, a highlight each year was their February trip with best friends to CA, TX or FL. They also made many trips abroad together, as well as trips to visit family and friends all over the country. Joanne leaves behind a rich legacy of love and commitment that will be with her friends and family all our lives long. We are blessed to have had her in our lives as an example of how to treat others and live a life of faith, integrity, and service. She was preceded in death by her husband Cliff, daughter Kristen, brother Orion and sister- in-law Verniece. She is survived by her son Jeff, daughter Kari Wangsness, son-in-law Erik Wangsness, grandchildren Hans (Radhika), Kristen (Clémentine), Nels and Thea, and in-law brothers & sisters Gary & Linda Nelson, Jeanette & Phil Fauchald, Sharon & Miles Bredeson, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 4th Avenue, South in Anoka. Visitation will start one hour prior. Memorials may be sent to Zion Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.