Joan Marie Tryhus

At 89 years old, Joan Groth Tryhus passed away peacefully on February 3rd, 2026.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Trueman E. Tryhus Jr, and her eldest daughter, Greta Tryhus, her parents: Sam Groth, Dorothy Elken and step-father Orrie Larson, and sister, Sandra (Karl) Bloomquist. Survived by brother, Lorry Larson, her children: Gregg (Sally) Tryhus, Mark (Pat) Tryhus, Maren Titmas, Kristi (Robert) Winter, her nine grandchildren: Niccole (Rob) Nagtalon, Taylor (Cassie) Tryhus, Connor (Abby) Tryhus, Riley (Daniel) Nelson, Jake Titmas, Tori (Derek) Lukacsko, Michael Winter, Cali (Louis) Titmas and Sam (Rebekah) Winter, and her eight great-grandchildren: Savannah, Owen, Theodore, Cooper, Kit, Montgomery, Sloane and Ivy.

Born in Mayville, ND in 1936, Joan was a graduate of Mayville High School, attended Iowa State, and graduated early from the University of Minnesota School of Home Economics in 1956. Upon moving to Fargo, ND, she taught Adult Home Economics courses, was President of PTA groups, performed as church organist and choir member, and directed VBS programs at First Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND and at New Covenant Church in Scottsdale, AZ. She was co-owner of Krismar stores in Fargo, ND and Vail, CO, and owner of The Treehouse card shop at Block 6 in Fargo, ND.

Joan originated the Scandinavian Bazaars at First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND and the Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival at Trollwood Park. She started the Sister City exchange program between Fargo and Hamar, Norway, and served as ND Governor's official hostess for both King Olav of Norway and Princess Sonja of Norway's visits to North Dakota. Joan was the first woman to receive the St. Olav Medal from the King of Norway for her repeated efforts of continuing Norwegian-American traditions. She also inaugurated the Taste of Fargo festival.

Most recently residing in Scottsdale, AZ with her husband and surrounded by her large family, Joan continued her volunteer efforts as a member and director of Scottsdale's Creative Women of Pinnacle Peak and at her church, Living Water Lutheran Church. She enjoyed a lifetime of family friendships with the "Norwegian Legion" and with her many friends in Fargo and Scottsdale.

Joan believed, lived authentically, and passed on her strong beliefs in traditions, family loyalty, faith and persistence … and every day brought light and joy to those around her through her wit and mischievous smile. "Well done good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)

A Celebration of Life service will be held in Scottsdale, AZ at Living Water Lutheran Church (9201 E Happy Valley Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255) on Sun, March 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to Living Water Lutheran Church and Hospice of the Valley.

The family wishes to express their thankfulness for the wonderful care Joan received from Vi of Silverstone and Hospice of the Valley.