JoAnne Curl

JoAnne Curl, 94, of Cando, ND passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at The Pillars Hospice Home in Oakdale, MN.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Cando United Methodist Church with Dr. Timothy McDowell officiating. A family service will be held at the Dunnigan-Dix Funeral Home on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 9:00 am. Burial will be at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Cando.

JoAnne was born on May 27, 1931, in Cando, North Dakota, to Joseph and Florence Anderson. JoAnne grew up on the family farm south of Bisbee alongside her younger siblings, Allen and Shelley. She attended a country school until its closure during the Depression, later graduating from Bisbee High School in 1949. JoAnne was an excellent student. She pursued higher education at Northern Illinois University before transferring to Valley City State Teachers College, where she earned her teaching degree. She taught in Leeds, McClusky, Bismarck, and Barnesville, Minnesota, where she met her future husband, Robert Curl. Remarkably, they grew up just 8.5 miles apart in Towner County. They married in 1958 and settled in Cando, where Robert farmed with his father. JoAnne taught grade school briefly before dedicating herself to raising their children, Nancy, Paul, and Bill. A skilled seamstress, JoAnne was known for her exceptional talent and was often called to help with costuming for summer theater productions in her community. She was also an exceptional baker, renowned for making a really good pie. She enjoyed canning jellies and fruit and was a wonderful cook, though she later admitted she didn’t always enjoy it—a testament to her selfless, giving spirit. She always had a fresh pot of coffee and something sweet ready for drop-in visitors, welcoming them with warmth. Quiet and thoughtful, yet strong and comforting, JoAnne’s sweet and kind demeanor touched many lives. She loved breakfast and insisted everyone partake. Always up for fun, she was ready for adventure at the drop of a hat, whether it was an Alaskan Cruise or just a drive through the countryside. She and Bob enjoyed sitting outside at the garden watching the purple martins in the evening. JoAnne remained devoted to the Cando Order of Eastern Star, actively serving in leadership roles at both local and state levels until her passing. She was a 4H leader, served on the Cando Park Board and Towner County Social Service Board, was active in the United Methodist Church, Cando Arts Council, and Cando Woman's Club, and she cherished her friendships and community involvement. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, always prioritizing others and proudly supporting her children and grandchildren’s endeavors. After Robert’s passing in 2021, JoAnne’s health declined, and she moved to her daughter Nancy’s home in Woodbury, Minnesota. Nancy and her family made a life-giving gift of taking JoAnne into their home, and JoAnne was very grateful for their love and care. There, she thrived for three years, surrounded by love. She often remarked, "I’m getting pampered here," cherishing her time with family. JoAnne was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Curl, her brother, Allen Anderson, and her parents, Joseph and Florence Anderson. She is survived by her sister Shelley Lord of Cando; children Nancy (Curtis Bohn) of Woodbury, Minnesota, Paul (Sara) of West Lakeland Township, Minnesota, and Bill (Gretchen) of Bismarck, North Dakota; grandchildren Alex (Stephanie) Bohn, Grace Bohn, Rachael Curl, Elias Curl, Byrne (Lindsey) Curl, Britta (Andrew) Salemme, Cullen Curl, and Brenna Curl; great granddaughter Parker Curl; nephews Erik Anderson, Winston Lord, and John Lord, and their families; and niece Elizabeth Bogardus and her family. JoAnne’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and grace will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.