Joan Theresa Michaelson

Mass of Christian burial for Joan Michaelson of Morris, MN, will be held Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, Morris, MN, with Father Todd Schneider officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Pedersen Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 7 followed by memory sharing at 7:30. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in the Spring.

Joan Theresa Michaelson was born to Fabian and Elizabeth (Robertson) Ritter on October 18, 1955. Coming into the world small but mighty, Joan was baptized that same day in the hospital by Father Leiser. She was later confirmed into the Catholic faith on November 17, 1968, at St. Mary’s Church in Chokio. Joan attended Chokio-Alberta High School graduating with the class of 1974.

In her junior year of high school, Joan met the love of her life, Gary Michaelson. After a few years of dating, they celebrated their wedding on October 23, 1976, at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris. To this union, two children were born. More than anything, Joan loved being a mother to Jeremy and Tana who came into her life like a wrecking ball, filling her life with love, laughter, and chaos.

As a natural born caregiver, Joan started her working career as a nursing assistant with a passion as a home health aide, but with two little ones at home, she took on the role of daycare provider. Joan treasured her daycare kids and the opportunity she had to be home with her children. After many years, Joan changed paths working for the Willie’s deli where she found a love for serving food and serving people. This led to her role at the UMM as a cook at Turtle Mountain Café where she worked for many years until her retirement in 2021. Joan spent many years bonding with students over smoke breaks, serving them food with a smile, or working alongside them in the kitchen becoming a trusted leader and friend.

Born with the gift of gab, Joan was an exceptional conversationalist with the ability to talk to anyone about anything. Always willing to share a pot of her famous egg coffee, Joan cherished the time she could spend chatting with family and friends. Her most favorite time of year was debatably the Stevens County Fair, when anyone could park in her yard in exchange for a conversation. Forever happy to greet anyone in her path, Joan also enjoyed her quiet moments gardening and hanging with her pup Kato.

Joan was over the moon to officially change her title to Grandma J, welcoming eight grandchildren with open arms. Joan was incredibly proud of her grandchildren, and they were the light of her life. She was more than a grandmother — she was a constant presence, a safe place, and a source of unconditional love. She spent countless hours with her grandchildren, shaping their days with laughter, patience, and care. The time she gave so freely became some of their most cherished memories. Her influence will live on in the values, kindness, and love they carry forward.

Joan passed peacefully at the age of 70 in her sleep on January 9th, 2026, at her home in Morris.

Left on this earth to carry on her legacy of kindness are her children Jeremy (Hannah) and Tana; son-in-law Andy Erickson; her beloved grandchildren Maddix, Allison, Ryker, Logan, Tayven, Gunner, and Lola; sisters Sandy (Don) Wienhold and Micki Ritter; brother-in-law Lowell Hacker; sisters-in-law Julie (Kirby) Hufford and Joy Michaelson; and many aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Waiting with open arms in heaven are Joan’s husband Gary; grandson James; parents Fabian and Liz; sisters Peggy, Geri, Lynn Ritter, Jayne Hacker; brother Tom Ritter; nephew Joe Wienhold; in-laws DeWayne and Lola Michaelson; and her favorite fur friend Kato.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of the arrangements for Joan.