Joan M. Lanning

Joan was born on June 25, 1925, to Heye and Reka Bakker Ross on the family farm near Renville, MN, where she grew up and attended school. On February 28, 1943, she married Morris J. Lanning in Renville. Shortly after they were married they moved to Portland, OR. During World War II Morris worked in the shipyards and Joan worked in a cannery. When the war ended they moved back home to Minnesota, and Morris began working for Hogenson Construction Company building grain elevators. His work required the family to move to many different communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Ohio. When Morris became an owner of the company, the family permanently settled in Moorhead in 1956. Over the years, Joan was a stay-at-home mom who assisted the construction company with payroll and bookkeeping duties. During the 1970's and early 1980's Joan was a co-owner and bookkeeper for The Browser Bookshops in Moorhead and Fargo. When Morris was injured and became disabled in 1979, Joan dedicated much of her time every day caring for him over the next nine years.Joan enjoyed traveling and felt fortunate to be able to do so with Morris before he became disabled. She loved volunteering for her church, supporting orphans, and serving in Stephen Ministries. She enjoyed gardening and caring for her plants. Joan loved spending time at their Ottertail lake cabin with family and friends. Joan will be remembered for her extraordinary dedication to her family, her generous heart, and for her cheerful spirit and ready smile. Joan is survived by her children, Morrie L. Ruthie Lanning of Moorhead, Sheryle Tom Peterson of Eden Valley, MN, Lori Steve Baumgartner of Moorhead; grandchildren, Ann Jay Christenson, Mike Penny Lanning, Jeremy Melissa Peterson, Ben Peterson, Jenna Jesse Bridley Baumgartner, Whitney Baumgartner; and 7 great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris J.; sister, Nettie Schmidt; and brothers, Walter "Bud" Ross and Roger "Butch" Ross.