JOANNE A. WOLD

JOANNE A. WOLD

JoAnne Abigail (Norheim) Wold, of Cooperstown, North Dakota, died on January 29, 2024, age 90, at the Griggs County Care Center, surrounded by family members singing her Home. Born September 18, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, to Pastor Rosenius Norheim and Thelma (Fuglestad) Norheim. Preceded in death by her husband, Jim, in 2003; brothers Lowell (Sharon), Ralph and Esley; brother-in-law Ed Tuit; sister-in-law Elsie (Fred) Johnson. Survived by children Chris (Dwight) Dyrud, Brooklyn Park, MN, Kevin (Shelley), Hatton, ND, Lisa Wold, Arlington, VA, Holly (Randy) Vigesaa, Cooperstown, ND; grandchildren Peter (Fargol), Anna (Todd), Kate (Nick), Ayrin (Brent), Zach (Patricia), Eli (Brittany), Danielle (Matt), Sophie, Ozzie, Bjorn, Ashley (Derek), Thomas (Katie), Sam, Jacob; great-grandchildren Delnava, Inga, Soren, Kaj, Ona, Reese, Aksel, Josie, Esley, Nash, Jack, Wren, Kolbrun, Lydia, Elise, Annika; sister Rhoda Tuit, sister-in-law Karen (John) Bohlen, brother-in-law Phil (Sara) Wold and many nieces and nephews.

JoAnne was the oldest daughter in a family that moved from New York to Wisconsin to California, while her father was a pastor. Childhood years in Pasadena, CA, and summer visits to the relatives’ farms on the North Dakota prairie formed fond memories. JoAnne recorded songs for her father’s radio program, the Lutheran Gospel Hour. She graduated in 1951 from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Fergus Falls, MN. There she began dating “Jimmy,” who entered the Air Force a year after his 1949 graduation. They were married in Pasadena in 1953. Within a year, their adventurous military years took off with a new baby and an assignment to England. They raised their four children in six states. JoAnne was well-suited to making new friends and exploring new places. The grand finale of the military career was their two-year residence in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, USSR, where Jim was the Defense and Air Attaché from 1975-1977. She was fearless in developing Russian language skills. Retiring to the prairie, they renovated and expanded a farm house near Luverne, ND. She built a rock wall, inspired by her Norwegian grandfather. They enjoyed travel and beach vacations at the North Carolina Outer Banks. While Jim had a second career as a lawyer, JoAnne ran Volden Farm Bed & Breakfast in their home for 28 years. Then her health required a move to the Care Center in Cooperstown. We thank the staff for all their loving care for JoAnne. After several years living with dementia, she is now the JoAnne we remember, rejoicing in Heaven with her loved ones and her Savior.

JoAnne will always be remembered for her lively personality, nurturing and stimulating friendships near and far; her strong faith and her singing; her home decorated with antiques, art and international treasures; her love and support for the arts, which included serving on local and state arts councils; her passion for fashion and sewing clothes; her friendly hospitality and flavorful meals at her B&B; playing games with grandchildren;  involvement with Sons of Norway and her church; her Japanese koi pond and her love of flowers and animals, especially birds, cats and chickens!

A gathering filled with music and memories is planned for Memorial weekend at Volden Farm.

Memorial donations:

For Volden Farm’s continuance, as her grandson and his wife recreate a vision of hospitality; donations may be sent to Holly Vigesaa, 11231 8^th St NE, Cooperstown, ND 58425

Or to Zion Lutheran Brethren Church, Cooperstown, ND 58425