Joan Thrane

Joan Shirley Thrane, 92, of Minneapolis, MN, died in Barnesville, MN, on September 9, 2024. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville, MN, beginning at 4:00 pm with a prayer service led by Rev. John Werner at 5:00 pm. 

Joan was born to Ruby and Oscar Thrane in Barnesville MN on April 7, 1932. She grew up in Barnesville. Her mother died when she was just 10 years old. As a teenager she waitressed at the Coach for her Aunt Emma Schindler and then she worked at the Fargo Cafe. She moved to the Minneapolis area in the mid 60’s and worked for Wongs Kitchen and the Shangrila Restaurant, then she got a job at the Riverside Hospital from which she retired in 2001. She lived in St. Anthony Village for many years after Sy’s death. She was known to shovel her neighbor’s walkways for them after big snowstorms into her 80’s. She was always looking for ways to do something kind for others.

She moved to Valley Care Rehab nursing home in Barnesville in 2019.

Joan was preceded in death by lifelong friend Sylvester Peterson, parents Ruby and Oscar Thrane, sister Marlys (Ray) Schindler, brother Charles (Buddy) Thrane, and sister Loretta Quintana.

She is survived by daughter Kelly (Gerry) Lenzen and grand and great grandchildren Tyler (Tayler)and Rhys(1 yr) Lenzen, Michael(Reena) Lenzen, Thomas(Taylor) and Brooks(10 months), Isaac, Gemma, Matthias and Candace Lenzen, Nephew Wayne (Sue) Schindler, Niece Carol Halpern, Niece Janice Schindler, nephew David Golick, niece Julie Crothers, and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to the Children’s Home Society of Minnesota.