JoAnn Edith Ronningen, born November 24, 1927 in Stillwater, MN, died October 14, 2016 at the Baldwin Care Center in Baldwin, WI at the age of 88. JoAnn attended school in Stillwater and moved to River Falls, WI, graduating in 1946. She married her classmate, John Ronningen while he was stationed in New Orleans in the Coast Guard. Upon returning to Hammond, they took over the Ronningen Dairy Farm where they raised 4 children until they retired. JoAnn returned to the University of Wisconsin River Falls and graduated in 1968 with her degree in Library Science and English. She worked at the Hudson High School as the Librarian for 22 years. She spent several years as the Pom Pom Squad Coach. They affectionately called her “MOM”. After retirement, Jo and John move to their lake home on the Minong Flowage where they enjoyed their retirement years. JoAnn had many interests and hobbies which included gardening, painting, crafting, fishing and hunting. She joined John on many fishing trips to Canada and North Dakota and elk hunting in Colorado. Jo never missed Wisconsin deer season. She was an avid MN Viking fan and was known for her scarves, preferably purple, and her wide variety of hats. Jo and John were lifetime members of the United Methodist Church in Hammond and she was a proud member of the Eastern Star. Jo is survived by children, Kathy (Steve) Dennis, Judy (Grant) Jensen, Tim (Deb) Ronningen, Scott Ronningen; grandchildren, Todd Dennis, Paul (Tara) Dennis, Heather (AJ) McMahan, Stacy (Israel) Love, Cole Ronningen, Chris Ronningen; great-grandchildren, Zoey Ronningen, Malachias, Jasmine and Naomi Love, Anne Dennis; sisters-in-law, Barbara Schultz, Sandy Ronningen, and Marian Ronningen. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Leona Cole; husband, John Ronningen; sister, Doreen (Joe) Cover; brothers-in-law, Willard Schultz, Keith Ronningen, and Tom Ronningen. A Funeral Service was held on Monday, October 17, 2016 at 3 pm at the Bakken-Young Funeral Home 1750 8th Avenue, Baldwin, WI. Visitation was also on Monday from 1:30 – 3 pm at the funeral home. Interment was in the Hammond Cemetery, Hammond, WI. Memorials may be directed to the Shriner’s Hospital 2025 East River Pkwy. Minneapolis, MN 55414. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of Baldwin.
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I graduated from Hudson high school in 1970. She made such an impact on my life. My friends and I went to Hammond to visit even after graduation. They were always so good to us girls! We were blessed to know her.
So sorry to see that your mother has passed away. I won’t be able to make it to the service but please know that I will have you in my thoughts and prayers. I can recall eating many meals your Mom prepared when we were working for your Dad in some way or the other …she was a great cook!! It’s not easy losing a parent but something we all have to face. I’m thinking of all of you ….
What a fun loving individual and special friend JoAnn was to my mom. She sent my mom bouquets of flowers which lasted a long time and made my mom very happy. New Years Eve was celebrated with lobsters and steak. Boy did the house smell funny as it cooked. We got our drinking milk from them. I rode a horse and slide down its neck. Learned that pigs don’t sweat.
Thanks for the memories! Loving
I just heard on Thursday that JoAnn passed away last Friday. I visited with her several times since becoming the pastor at Hammond UMC in July, read scripture and prayed with her. I saw that she was declining in health on my last visit and talked with the Director, Eileen about her. I assumed that my prayers with her might be the last and I gave her blessing and reassurance of eternal life. I was very impressed by her obituary – the accomplishments in her life.. I am sorry that I did not get word in time to be at her visitation and memorial service. My prayers are with her family. She was a blessing to so many! Pastor Gary Ritner, Hammond UMC
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