Please click on the video tribute below to view JoAnn's memorial and burial services.

JoAnn Marie Onstad, 93, formerly of Ada, MN died June 29, 2023 at the home of her daughter Clare and husband Bryan on Upper Cormorant Lake in Minnesota.

JoAnn Marie Hemmelgarn was born on June 5, 1930 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota to Leo and Henrietta Hemmelgarn. She grew up in Waubun, Minnesota graduating from high school in 1949. She graduated from Moorhead State Teacher's College and had her first job in Warren, Minnesota teaching third grade. It was during this time that she met and fell in love with Russell Onstad and moved to Ada. They were married on January 2, 1952 at First Lutheran

Church in Ada. They raised one child, Clare in Ada. Jo taught 3rd grade at Ada Elementary for a short time before teaching kindergarten for the rest of her long teaching career.

Jo was active in her church and the community, teaching the Bethel Series and Wednesday School at First Lutheran and calling donors for the Norman County Blood Bank, and being one of the organizers for the Ada One Fund.

Jo was the "mom of the neighborhood" taking all the neighborhood kids to the pool in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Her bright red cookie can was always filled with chocolate chip cookies. She enjoyed golfing, socializing with friends, going out to dinner and shopping.

Jo retired from teaching in the 80's to travel with Russ. They enjoyed many years traveling to Europe, Maui, and Sanibel Island, Florida. Between trips she also enjoyed following her grandchildren and their sports and activities.

In 2003, they moved to the Fargo/Moorhead area to be closer to Clare, and in 2011 to Touchmark Assisted Living in Fargo where Russ died in 2012. Jo really enjoyed her time at Touchmark, meeting many new friends and enjoyed book club and bingo.

In 2022, due to declining health, Jo was admitted to Hospice services and moved in with daughter, Clare and her husband Bryan on Upper Cormorant Lake. She enjoyed lake views, pontoon rides, reading many books, dog snuggles, and visits and holidays with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. On June 5th, we celebrated her 93rd birthday.

After a life well lived, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, she peacefully fell asleep in her own bed and entered her heavenly home. We know husband Russ was waiting for her with granddaughter baby Abby in his arms.

Jo is survived by daughter, Clare (Bryan) Garberg, Upper Cormorant Lake, MN. Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren, Andra (Nathan) Kuznia, Blaine MN, children Emma and Logan. Kristofer (Pari) Garberg, West Fargo, ND, children Makenna, Quinn, Mark and Michael. Adam (Colie) Garberg, Mendota Heights, MN, daughter Ada. Maggie (Nikoli) Falenschek, Waverly IA. Elizabeth Bennett, Moorhead, MN. Matthew Garberg, Moorhead, MN.

Jo is proceeded in death by her husband Russell Onstad and infant granddaughter Abby Garberg.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Red River Valley (1701 38th St. S. Suite 101 Fargo, ND 58103), Grace Lutheran Church (110 3rd Ave. E. Ada, 56510) or CCRI (2903 15th St. S. Moorhead MN 56560) or any non-profit of the donor's choice.

Memorial Service: 3:00 PM, Friday, July 14, 2023 at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the memorial service at the church.

Inurnment: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.

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