Watch Joan's Funeral Service

Joan R. Wells, age 88, of Ulen, MN, died Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Viking Manor Nursing Home, Ulen, MN.

Joan Ruth Gregerson was born January 4, 1936, in Twin Valley, MN, daughter of Tilford and Blenda (Knutson) Gregerson.  She was a precious gift as the first grandchild born on both sides of the family, allowing them to experience and capture five generations!

Her youth was spent growing up on the farm in Keene Township, attending country school followed by Ulen High School.  As a young lady, Joan moved to the Minneapolis, MN, metro, where she worked diligently and nurtured her six young children after becoming a single mom.  She was proud to be the only female machinist at that time in a male dominated field.  Joan later met George Wells and the two were united in marriage on September 19, 1970.  They made their home in the Twin Cities Metro and were blessed with a son, George Jr.  George and Joan loved traveling and spending time at their cabin on Sturgeon Lake in Northern Minnesota in the summers and with an early retirement, they were able to spend several winters in Texas.  In 2006, they moved back to Ulen to make their home.  George passed away in 2021 and Joan moved to Viking Manor in the summer of 2022.

Many hobbies and activities kept Joan busy, and her strong faith helped her on a daily basis.  She enjoyed playing the piano, gardening, antiquing, listening to music and dancing, but she loved camping, cooking, and reading and was nicknamed the laundry queen, a title she took great pride in.  Joan was enthusiastic, adventurous, and had a wonderful sense of humor.  She was also fun loving, outgoing and always welcomed a social gathering, backyard BBQ or just time to visit with friends and family.  Retirement did not slow her down, she just took on new adventures.  Joan was very active with Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Ulen Museum and the Senior Center.  Over the years, she always treasured the time spent with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.  She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her.

Joan is survived by her children: Robbie (Henry) Lewis of Minnetonka, MN, Debra (Michael Krogness) Salo of Otsego, MN, Donald (Renee) Larson also of Otsego, Judy (John) Green of Ulen, Becky Barnes of Hawley, MN, and George "Pete" Jr. (Maddie Boyer) Wells of Milaca, MN; 11 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; brother, Keith Gregerson of Fargo, ND; sister, Ruth Berg of St. Cloud, MN; brother-in-law, Gary (Gail) Wells of Hinckley, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Joan is preceded by her parents; husband, George; sons, Steven and David Larson; infant brother; sister, Virginia Fasteen; two sons-in-law, Gary Hansen and Rick Barnes; and a sister-in-law, Judy Gregerson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen, with visitation one hour prior.  Private inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Viking Manor Nursing Home, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Ulen Museum or Hospice of the Red River Valley, in loving memory of Joan.