JoAnn Forsell, age 87, of Ada, MN, died on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Benedictine Care Community of Ada.

JoAnn Forsell, with the given name of Zina Safranauskaite, was born on June 10, 1939, in Marijampole, Lithuania, to Franas and Anele (Muranka) Safranauskas. Amid the war, her family relocated to Germany, where JoAnn and her five siblings were orphaned. In 1949, the six children made the journey to America, where they were adopted by the Herrmann’s of Otter Creek, ND. In 1954, her adoption was discontinued. Zina officially changed her name to JoAnn Zina Herrmann, and shortly after she was welcomed into the home of Oliver and Della Strandvold in Fargo, ND. The Strandvold’s were more to her than foster parents, and they considered “Joannie” and her future family as their own. JoAnn graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1958 and proudly became a United States citizen on November 18 of that same year. On October 28, 1961, JoAnn married Derek Paul Forsell at Grace Lutheran Church in Fargo. Together for more than 64 years, they built a life filled with family, friends, and many memorable experiences. JoAnn worked in secretarial positions for much of her career, from 1960 until her retirement in 1997 after seventeen years with Eaton Cutler-Hammer. But of all her jobs, her fondest memories would be from 1972 through 1979, when she and Derek owned and operated the original Hobo Haus pool hall in Newfolden, MN.

JoAnn had a zest for life and enjoyed staying active. She loved golfing and even celebrated the accomplishment of a hole-in-one at Willingers in Northfield, MN. She enjoyed dancing, socializing, traveling, taking pictures, and, most of all, spending time with family. Despite the early separation from siblings here and abroad, she maintained a close relationship with all of them throughout her life. She especially enjoyed seeing her grandchildren and was always up for a rousing game of cards with them. Travel was another special part of JoAnn’s life. She traveled many miles throughout the country on the back of their motorcycle and later became the unofficial “official” photographer on many of Derek’s business trips around the world, capturing the people, places, and moments that made life special. Those who knew JoAnn will remember her giving personality, welcoming smile, and her desire to make sure everyone around her was having a good time.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Benedictine in Ada for the loving and compassionate care they provided JoAnn during her final years. They would also like to express their sincere appreciation to the extended family who was always there for JoAnn. Their kindness and presence meant so much to JoAnn and her family.

JoAnn is survived by her daughters, Stacia “Stacy” Russell (Charley Lieving) and Tatia (Terence) Kennedy; grandchildren, Steven (Kathryn), Kathleen “Katie” (Luke), Samuel (Jordan), Jared, and Nathan; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Carol (Richard) Freeman; brother, Albert Alderman; sister-in-law, Carol Herrmann; brother-in-law, Marty (Anita) Thompson; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Derek Paul Forsell; parents: Franas and Anele Safranauskas and Oliver and Della Strandvold; siblings: Alma (Robert) Gerber, Eddy Herrmann, Erika Thompson, Kathleen “Kay/Betty” (Cecil) Jacobson, Faye Swenson, Lydia (Herbert) Thomas, Evalt Safranauskas, Wanda (John) Andrusiak, and Gustaf (Korona) Safranauskas; nieces: Sherry (Tom) Eungard and Patricia “Pat” Jacobson; and other extended family members.

A private family service will be held at Wild Rice cemetery. The family encourages everyone to please sign the online guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available here on the website.