Joan Sterna

Joan Marie Sterna, age 89, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

A private family service and burial at St. John's Cemetery has taken place. 

Joan was born October 9, 1935, to Fien and Rose (Preabt) Taghon. A lifelong Mandan resident, she graduated from Mandan High School in 1953. In 1961, she married John Sterna. Joan was known for her quiet strength and warmth, which she shared with everyone around her. She was dearly loved by all the staff at Edgewood in Mandan, where she spent her later years and left a lasting impression with her kind and gentle spirit.

Joan was blessed to be able to stay home with her children until they were older. She then went to work as a bookkeeper, retiring from RSVP in 2001. Joan had a lifelong love for gardening and spent many happy hours tending to her flowers and vegetables. She also enjoyed canning and took pride in sharing her homemade goods with family and friends. Most of all, she loved being surrounded by her family—those moments brought her the greatest joy.

Joan is survived by her three children, Dave Sterna, Laura (Mark) Helbling, and Amy (Doug) Remboldt; her beloved grandchildren: Kari (Gary), Chad (Brittney), Mitchell (Ashlyn), Karley (Preston), Morgan (Levi), Kim, and Erin; and great grandchildren, Taylor, Peyton, Makena, Clarke, Finn, and Lucy.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John, in 2020; her parents; and her sister, Jean.

Joan will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for the love she gave, the traditions she passed on, and the quiet joy she brought to all who knew her.