Joanne Mabel Lenning

Joanne Mabel Lenning, age 76, of Fergus Falls, died Sunday, August 21, 2016, at the Pioneer Senior Cottages in Fergus Falls.

Home births might indeed be a trend being explored in the U.S. these days. Well, Joanne Mabel was born via the original home birth era, on February 6, 1940, in her parent’s farmhouse near Courtenay, ND. Her proud parents, Floyd and Leiva (Bond) Walker, welcomed her precious spirit into the world. From that day forward, Joanne spread kindness, acceptance, understanding, forgiveness and a genuine love of her fellow mankind.

As a young lady, Joanne fell head over heels in love with Myron Lenning. They were married on August 21, 1956, yes folks, they were sweet 16! Myron and Joanne marked their 60th wedding anniversary on the day of her death, August 21, 2016. She was smitten with Myron her entire life, right up until the end, always traveling her eyes about the room looking for her sweetheart. We knew that she would indeed wait until their 60th anniversary was observed before leaving, true Joanne style.

Joanne and Myron went on to have two daughters of their own, Louann (Mary) Rodenborg of Alexandria and Melanie (Scott) Dethlefsen of Fergus Falls. They were also blessed to have nearly adopted a son, George, who after a year in their family, was placed with his own father. She never stopped loving George. Joanne had a number of sweet phrases her children heard their entire lives, “the sun rises and sets in my love for you” and “you could sail the seven seas and never find a mother that loves her children as much as I do you”.

Joanne was a faithful believer in Christ and in the miracles of the Holy Spirit. She also loved praise band music! Joanne had a successful career in banking, with her retiring position being as an Officer at the First National Bank of Oakes, ND. Over the years she enjoyed camping, time at their lake home and doing yard work. She loved the outdoors. When asked what her favorite past time was, her constant reply was, “family time, that’s all that ever matters to me, time with my family.” Well, let’s be honest, she also loved going out for coffee and loved pie and onion rings. Yes, a slender lady her entire life and yet she survived mostly on coffee, pie, and onion rings! The Purple Palace was her secret palate passion the last couple of years, “let’s go have chicken and onion rings Myron”, and off they would go.

Joanne and Myron were blessed with grandkiddos (that is a Joanne word) as well. Louann has two daughters, Heather (Amanda) Rodenborg and Haley (Dustin) Skeide. Melanie has two sons, Jordon Dethlefsen and Colin (Kara) Dethlefsen. They also have a great-grandkiddo, Hanna Skeide and “coming soon”, a baby to be born to Colin and Kara. In addition to all of the lovely family mentioned above, Joanne is survived by loving sister Pat Darby and brother Randy (Anne) Walker, as well as multiple nieces and nephews and cousins.

Joanne was preceded in death by brothers, Durward and Larry, and sister Lois; Papa and Grandma Bond; parents Floyd and “Bid”; and son-in-law David.

Memorial Gathering: 6:00-7:00 PM on Friday, August 26, 2016, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM, at the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Reverend Douglas Dent
Interment: Highland Home Cemetery in Jamestown, ND.
Arrangements: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, MN.