Joan Hardina

November 15, 1933 - September 9, 2024

Joan Elizabeth Hardina, 90, died at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND, on September 9, 2024, after a brief illness. Joan was born the daughter of Mason and Beatrice Engelhart and lived on a small farm located between Britton and Kidder, SD, before moving to Kidder in 1943 where she graduated from high school. She married her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, Neill Hardina, in 1953. Together, they welcomed daughter, Debra, and sons, Blake and Douglas, into their lives, and raised their family in various towns in Minnesota. Joan and Neill recently celebrated 71 years of marriage, a testament to their lifelong love for and commitment to one another. 

Like many of her generation, Joan’s long life was centered on family and taking care of the home. She also worked at a medical clinic in International Falls, MN, for a number of years, and later co-owned and managed a store with Neill at Ottertail Lake, MN. The couple eventually settled in Fergus Falls, MN.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Mason and Beatrice (Hinman) Engelhart, brothers, David and Dennis Engelhart, and sister Janice Maloney. She is survived by her husband Neill, daughter Debra (Jim) Brischke, sons, Blake (Pat) Hardina, and Douglas (Reva) Hardina, seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. 

Grandchildren: Jennifer Elizabeth Brischke, Marysville, WA; Andrea Kathleen (Brischke) (Christian) Englund, Waddell, AZ; Adam James Brischke, Granite Falls, WA; Nicole Hardina; Patrick (Amy) Hardina; Kate Hardina and Audrey (Daniel) Vincenzi. 

Great-grandchildren: Jasmine Elizabeth Byler, Oak park, IL; Lauren Alexis Byler, Granite Falls, WA; Benjamin Adam Byler, Marysville, WA; Meadow Kathleen (Cody) Finley, LaQuinta, CA; Ella Carmel Englund, Waddell, AZ; Miles Edward Englund, Kaia Hardina, Zoey Hagerty, Ruby and Nolan Vincenzi. 

A memorial internment will be held on the afternoon of October 5, at Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church near Kidder, SD. Memorials for Joan Hardina may be given to the Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 150, Britton, SD, 57430.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation of Fergus Falls, MN.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com 

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation of Fergus Falls, MN.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com