Joanne (Hanson) Mondry

Joanne Mondry, 92, of Oslo, MN, peacefully passed away on Friday, January 6, 2023, at Wheatland Terrace Senior Apartments, Grand Forks, ND.

Helen Joanne Hanson was born on April 27, 1930 to Gilman and Mildred (Thorson) Hanson, in Twin Valley, MN. When she was a year old, the family moved to Oslo where she grew up, attended school, and would live the rest of her life. Joanne attended Concordia College, where she was a member of the Concordia Choir, and graduated in 1952 with degrees in both English and Music. On November 2, 1954, Joanne was married to Cyril “Bud” Mondry, and the two made their home in Oslo where Bud owned and operated Our Own Hardware for 48 years.

Joanne taught English for 28 years, taking time off to raise their five children. Her love for literature and reading was unmatched. She was a trusted mentor to many and a beloved member of the community, immersing herself in all manner of activities in the 91 years she lived there. She sang for many years in the Oslo Ladies Sextet, was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Teachers Retirement Association. Joanne was a faithful worshiper at Zion Lutheran Church.

In addition to reading, Joanne spent her free time playing the piano and doing puzzles of all kinds; more recently she enjoyed word games on her iPad. Most of all, Joanne was a wonderfully devoted wife, mother, and grandma and loved her family dearly.

Joanne is survived by two of her children, son, Gary (Ann) Mondry of Wichita, KS and daughter, Deb (Rick) Jacobson of Wahpeton, ND; daughters-in-law, Jill Mondry of Orlando, FL, and Kristi Mondry of Meridian, ID; son-in-law, Mark Decker of Grand Forks; eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her brother, Thomas (Marcie) Hanson of Ada, MN.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; her sons, Mark and David; daughter, Brenda Decker; and brothers, Donald and Curtis Hanson.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Next Week, Friday, January 20, 2023, at 2:00 PM, in Zion Lutheran Church, Oslo, MN.
VISITATION: One hour prior.
INTERMENT: Next to her husband, Bud, in Riverside Cemetery, Oslo, MN.