Joan Johnson

Joan Johnson

Joan J. Johnson, Bismarck, was welcomed to her eternal home Oct. 14, 2021 by her Savior, Jesus Christ, and loved ones gone before. A celebration of her life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30 at New Song Community Church, Bismarck. Burial will be at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Joan Josette Nelson was born Jan.19, 1939 in Havre, Montana, the daughter of Ernest O. and Josephine Nelson. She was raised and educated in Devils Lake, and later attended and graduated from high school in Jamestown. Joni married Frank H. Johnson on Sept. 1, 1957 in Jamestown, moving immediately to Bismarck where they lived their entire married life. Joni was employed by the First National Bank in Bismarck for a short period, but was most blessed to be able to be a stay-at-home mom during her children's educational years. She enjoyed camping, gardening, canning, baking, sewing and knitting - making many pieces of clothing for her family. In addition, she was a skilled porcelain artist who enjoyed blessing her friends and family with pieces of her art. She and Frank also found the time to build five homes which Joni turned into Better Homes and Gardens creations.

Joni and Frank were both very active in the churches they attended, including New Song for the last 30 years. Joni served as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, she served on church councils in various capacities, and loved to preach as well. From 1978 to 1987, she and Frank were active in Lutheran Marriage Encounter. They also served as a State contact couple and liaison with Catholic Marriage Encounter. During this time, she was also active in Women's AGLOW, serving in many capacities including Bismarck chapter president. In 1993, she and Frank taught marriage courses under Marriage Ministries International.

Joni's deep love for her Lord and His faithfulness led her into prayer ministries including The End-Time Handmaidens, the International Healing Rooms, and the prayer team at her church. All of her grandchildren will remember her telling them she loved them "Round the World and Back Again" as well as the many times that she slipped them money under the table when Grandpa wasn't looking.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years; children, Teresa L. (Keith) Hafey, Bismarck, Craig A. (Lynette) Johnson, Mandan, and Eric O. (Marjorie) Johnson, Bismarck; grandchildren, Matthew (Melodie) Slocomb, Sarah Slocomb, Rebekah (Andrew) Albrecht, Hannah Slocomb (fiance Eóin Léhane), Zachary Johnson, and Grant Johnson; great-grandchildren, Natalie, Jude, and Caleb Slocomb, Michael and Ava Whorley, and Lillian Albrecht; sisters, Patsy (Jerry) Wallace and Mary (Frank) Hum; brother, Ernest (Glenda) Nelson; brother-in-law, Darald Olson; many nieces and nephews; some very special Gourmet Club friends, camping friends, and the Wednesday night Elders group.

Joni was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Ellen Olson.

The family wishes to give a special thanks to the staff at Sunset Drive Prospera in Mandan, and the Sanford Health Hospice staff, all of whom showered her with their love and concern.

(Bismarck Funeral Home)