Joann Ertsgaard

1930 - 2012

Joann Viola Ertsgaard

November 23, 1930 - August 19, 2012

SALEM - Joann Viola Ertsgaard, 81, died Sunday. She is remembered by all as generous, organized, and joyful. It was her life's mission to care for those around her, and she will be missed. Joann was born in Albion, Nebraska. In 1947 her family moved from Denver to Salem. She graduated from Salem High School in 1948. Joann worked in a variety of positions, including executive assistant to Governor Mark Hatfield, and long time legislative aide to Rep. E.G. "Fritzi" Chuinard. She loved travel, music, crafts and cooking. She was renowned for her culinary skills, and was even featured in the Statesman-Journal. Joann was organized and caring. She was always a steady and helping hand during crisis, assisting neighbors, friends and family. Joann was active in the community. As a young woman, she was a member of the Salem Jaycees and was a crowned princess during the annual Salem "Willamette River Days" celebration. A member of Illahe Hills Country Club, she was treasurer of the Oregon Women's Golf Association. Joann became a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in her teen years, and over the years she served on the church council, many committees, and was an active volunteer. Her strong alto voice was a fixture in the choir for over fifty years, and it was there, in the choir, that she met and later married Duane, her husband of 59 years. Duane passed away in 2009. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Paul & Sharon; son and daughter-in-law Reid and Kim; daughter-in-law Cherie; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her son Lee died in 2002. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, August 24th, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, the corner of Marion and Winter, in Salem. In honor of her love of music, contributions may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church, Joann Ertsgaard Music Memorial. Viewing will be Thursday, 3:00-5:00 pm, at the City View Funeral Home. Private interment will be at City View Cemetery.