Joanne “Jo” Margaret Haugen (Hall), of Bloomington, Minn., entered into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ on March 11, 2022, at the age of 81, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Cyrus and Helen Hall in Fountain, Minn., on October 21, 1940. Jo enjoyed growing up on a farm with her four siblings. In 1960, she married James Haugen and moved to Biloxi, Miss., where Jim was stationed in the Air Force. Here they welcomed their first child, Jennifer. A few years later, son John would be born in Louisville, Ky., before the family resettled in Minnesota. Jo was a savvy entrepreneur, building a successful property management business.
Later in life, Jo met Mike Bania, who was her life partner for the past 35 years. Together, they graciously displayed the gift of hospitality and love to so many. Jo’s Christian faith was the foundation for her life. Among her many strengths, Jo had the magnetic ability to accept and love others wherever they were at, and her positive energy was an inspiration to all. She adored her grandkids and was known as “Grammar Jo” for her prowess in Scrabble and crossword puzzles.
Jo is survived by Mike Bania, her life partner of 35 years; first husband, James Haugen; son John Haugen and his wife Linda, grandchildren Lukas, Truman, Isaac and Estelle from Excelsior, Minn.; sister Shari Anderson from Seattle, Wash.; brother William (Karen) Hall from Eugene, Oreg.; and brother, Robert Hall from Torrance, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her brother Larry, daughters Jana Haugen (1966) and Jennifer Haugen (2019). A celebration of life service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 7 at Community of the Cross Lutheran Church, 10701 Bloomington Ferry Rd., Bloomington, Minn., with visitation one hour before and a lunch reception to follow; the service will be livestreamed at cclcmn.org. Later in the day, there will be a private interment service at Root Prairie Lutheran Cemetery in Fountain, Minn. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to VEAP of Bloomington.
Arrangements with Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, www.gearty-delmore.com, (763) 553-1411.