Mary "Joann" Jundt

Mary "Joann" Jundt
The Life of the Party
March 28, 1942 – December 17, 2024
Mary Joann Jundt (née Fuchs) of Scottsdale, AZ, previously Wayzata, MN, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at 82, surrounded by her loving family. Known for her zest for life, warmth, and ability to make everyone feel at home, Joann lived a life filled with love, adventure, and laughter.
Joann was born on March 28th, 1942, in Lewiston, Idaho, the fourth of eight children to Sylvester and Grace Fuchs. She grew up in Yakima, Washington, where she learned the importance of family, hard work, and perseverance. As a child, she helped care for her younger siblings, setting the foundation for her lifelong devotion to family.
Joann met Jim Jundt, the love of her life, while working at Woolworth's in Yakima during high school. Ever the bold spirit, Joann asked Jim to their senior prom, sparking a love story that lasted 59 years. They married shortly after Jim graduated from college and embarked on an incredible journey that took them from the streets of Yakima to Wall Street and eventually to Minneapolis and Scottsdale.
A registered nurse, Joann's compassion, intelligence, and tireless work ethic made her a trusted caregiver and confidante spending many years with Abbott Northwestern Hospital. She combined her natural people skills with her medical expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she cared for.
Joann was more than a nurse; she was the heart and soul of her family and an unmatched hostess. Whether planning extravagant Christmas and New Year's parties, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Easter egg hunts, summer Fourth of July bashes, or elegant gatherings, Joann had a knack for bringing people together and making every occasion unforgettable. Her homes in Minnesota and Arizona were filled with family, friends, laughter, and sometimes celebrities and politicians.
An active supporter of the arts, Joann served on the board of the Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Orchestra, The Kennedy Center, and contributed generously to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Gonzaga University's Jundt Art Museum, and other cultural institutions. She loved Irish culture, theater, travel, and immersing herself in the world's rich history and geography. A keen adventurer, Joann traveled extensively, often picking up bits of local dialects to amuse her family upon her return. She loved taking photos and documenting her adventures and time with family and friends. She loved her book club and gourmet club friends and old neighbors.
Joann relished life's little joys: good wine, a DQ ice cream cone, daily drives to pick up Starbucks coffee, Costco excursions, and Arizona sunsets. She was known for her immaculate sense of style, often dressed in her signature monochromatic outfits (with matching Crocs) and unique jewelry. Her sense of humor, practicality, and ability to connect with people made her a beloved figure in every community she touched.
A fiercely devoted grandmother, "Grandma JoJo" adored her 12 grandchildren and cherished making memories with them, including whisking them around in the ever-present "Grandma Mobile" golf cart. She took pride in her family and found true joy in simply being surrounded by them.
Joann is survived by her children, Marcus (Allyssa) Jundt, Romy (John) Erlandson, and Celeste (Mark) Argento; her beloved grandchildren, Katie, Max, Grace, Fred, Henry, Charlie, George, Antenella, Nicholas, Sophia, and Daniel; her siblings; and countless nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; and her grandson, Alexander.
Joann's spirit, wit, and affection leave an indelible mark on all who knew her. She taught her family the value of hard work, kindness, and making memories. Joann's life was a testament to the power of resilience, love, and generosity.
A service to celebrate Joann's life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10 am at Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Chapel in Minneapolis, MN, followed by a reception from noon - 3 pm at The Hotel Landing, 925 Lake Street, Wayzata. Service will be live-streamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/4809377
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Guthrie Theater.
Her family invites all who knew her to celebrate the extraordinary life of a remarkable woman who truly was the life of every party.