Joann Mary Preller, age 82 passed away peacefully early morning Wednesday August 19, 2020 after a severe stroke. She was born to the late David and Mabel Nolan on December 2, 1937 in Deer Lodge, Montana. The family resided in Miles City and Joann attended Sacred Heart Schools. As the only child, Joann grew very close to her cherished cousins, especially Evelyn, Jackie and Marilyn and spent many weekends and summers in Glendive with family.
On April 15, 1961 Joann married Calvin “Bud” Preller and resided on a small farm just outside Miles City where they raised their three children. Life on the farm had many joys, adventures and interesting events including raising livestock and crops. Many bum lambs were nursed to health along with bunny rabbits, chickens, dogs and cats. Pets on the farm were very diverse and once included an orphaned baby skunk (Stinky) who was quite the little “Kitty”. Joann had a real soft spot for animals and through the years had many small dogs who she spoiled with way too many treats. Her children were very involved in 4-H which meant that Joann was also. Fair time held a special place in her heart as it was a time to see friends and catch up on life. Joann used to say that she needed a Taxi sign on her car because of her constant hauling of her kids around the country for the numerous activities and sporting events. Life on Kircher road held many fond memories with all the neighbors, and events at Kircher School.
Joann and Bud divorced in 1977, starting another adventure in her life as she worked as a cook in several restaurants in Miles City, of which, the 600 Café was her most memorable. Many lifelong friendships grew from working. A hard-working, diligent person, Joann never shied away from doing the most difficult or unpleasant tasks. She believed that one just needed to roll up their sleeves and get to work. In 1980 Joann met a very special person and spent the next 30 years with Wade Hunter working on various ranches tending livestock and enjoying the country life. They retired to Miles City and resided at their home on 1215 North Jordan for many years until Wade passed away in 2010. Joann lived in her home until October of 2018. She was well known for her incredible Potato Salad, sadly she did not pass on a recipe as she created her masterpiece by taste and boy, did it taste good. She also made wonderful chicken fried steak and many other wonderful treats. She also loved making potholders, doilies, and other gifts for her many friends and loved ones. Born with a heart of gold, Joann always shared what she had with others, especially food (never turned away the many roaming packs of hungry neighborhood kids brought to her kitchen by her kids). She often said “If you don’t have enough to share, then don’t eat in front of others”. Strong in her Catholic faith, mom said many times that we needed to pray and pray hard for the time is short. She knew her savior and is now resting in Heaven with her family and friends.
Joann moved into the Holy Rosary Extended Care in October of 2018 and due to the wonderful care and love from the CNA’s, Nurses and Staff Joann’s health began to improve. Frequent adventures helped ease the pain of having to give her last dog “Tanner” away when she had moved into the Extended Care. Joann made many friends and loved her new family thus she made sure to “Keep them in line” and spoil them with her treats. Always the Mother Hen, she made sure that she “kept the residents in line”. Joann loved her family and cherished her many friends. Frequent phone calls to check up and visits were what she loved, as she always wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of. At times she could be feisty, but was really just a big softy, thus she was known at the Extended Care as “Spicy” by those wonderful Nurses and CNA’s who gave such loving care to her.
Joann is survived by her two daughters and their husbands: Lavonne (Douglas) Gulden, Mary (Scott) LaFayette and her son Michael (Carrie) Preller all of Miles city, 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and many friends. The last few days that mom was with us, she was provided the most wonderful, dignified care by the Nurses and CNA’s at Holy Rosary Hospital. For that the family is so very grateful. In the early morning hours on Wednesday August 19th, 2020 Jesus dispatched his Angels for Moms final adventure. Until we meet again Mom, enjoy visiting and see you in a little while.
Family will receive friends on Monday, August 24, 2020 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. A Rosary and Vigil service will follow the visitation on Monday at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Church for the bells.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 24, 2020
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday August 24, 2020
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 25, 2020
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
110 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday August 24, 2020
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday August 24, 2020
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 25, 2020
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
110 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Audrey Haumschild says
Joann Not sure if we looked after you or you looked after us and everyone else. We’ll miss you telling us how to do things or who needed help . You were already on top if things. Will miss your smile and story’s. RIP JOANN
Mary Schaefer says
To Joann’s family:
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Joann. Mike and I talked about her and my grandma quite often and what they were up to at HRH Residential Living. Then when I would go to visit my grandma I would make a point to stop and say hi. She always had a smile on her face. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers!!
Beverly Knuths says
OH MY gosh… 8 days after her best friend passed😢 Laverne and Joann will be rejoined❤
Maureen Larson says
Dear Preller family,
So very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bernadette Miller says
I’ve known Joann for years and have always enjoyed her positive outlook on life. Some days I think she came down to clinic just to say hi! She was fun to visit with and always a good story or two. I will miss her sweet smile. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe Bramhall says
Mike and Preller Family, Condolences for the passing of JoAnn. I have many fond memories of my time with the Preller Family and CCRVFC. May peace and comfort be with you. Know others are thinking of you in this difficult time.
Mary Notbohm says
Mike and family, we are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Karen Witt says
My Deepest Sympathy I always enjoyed my visit on the phone with JoAnn when she would call looking to find Margo.
Kurt Cadlo says
Mike and family our most sincere condolences on your loss. you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Peg Fandrich says
I was sorry to hear Joann passed. I’m glad she didn’t have to live long with the effects of the stroke like my mom did even though she passed so soon. The first memory I thought of was picnicking at your house under those huge trees. Your mom made a gigantic bowl of delicious potato salad and tons of fried chicken; enough to feed an army; eating together then playing with cousins, one of the fond family memories! I am glad our family had a legacy of getting together, connecting, sharing and caring. I will miss seeing all of you because I am isolating during this pandemic. I do not want to add any more losses to our family. I will remember all of you in my prayers.
Danette & David Olguin says
I am so sorry to hear about Joann’s passing. She was a sweet lady and always had a smile on her face and truly loved her family. Prayers with all of her family at this time.
Diane Welbes says
Mike and family–Sorry to hear about your loss. May it comfort you to know that I care.
Margo Hellickson says
Lavonne and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. We always want our parents to be with us forever, unfortunately, God has other plans and calls them home when he is ready to put them to other jobs in Heaven. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you as I have had to share this same experience. She is now at peace and free from any pain and hurts and you can rejoice knowing that. Sending hugs.
Pat and Monte Herzog says
Lavonne, Mike and Mary.. so sorry for your loss.. my parents were good friends of yours parents and at the age of 11 your mom gave me my 1st summer babysitting job..I learned alot that summer.. your mom always treated me so good..I’ll never forget her and her smile 😃 ❤ I will hold all of you in my prayers 🙏❤ Pat and Monte Herzog
Jenny Preller says
There were very few times when I visited Montana that I didn’t see JoAnn. She always made it a point to say hello and visit. I am happy I was able to see her last summer and that she was able to share some stories of my dad. I am sorry I cannot make her service. I want to send my love and prayers to all of her family. ~Jenny Preller
Judy.. sheldon says
Mary and family..what a sweet lady always had a smile and always had to stop me and visit…living next to school and her was always a joy ..good old days
Joan Bunke says
I loved JoAnn! She and mom were good friends, despite my mother being much older. JoAnn was there for her, I loved JoAnn’s voice and her laugh. Her smile lit up the room.
My condolences to her family, Lavonne, Mike and Mary. Your mom will be missed….treasure your memories
Lynn Anderson says
Joann was such a dear lady at Holy Rosary Extended Care. She was always there with a smile and ready to visit. I really appreciated it when she would help my Dad during Bingo because he couldn’t always hear the numbers being called out. I know that it must have been hard for her not being able see her family much over the last 5 months. My heart goes out to Joann’s family as well. Always hold on to the precious memories and know that she will be missed. God bless you all.
Kay Walsh says
Sincere sympathy to the Preller family on the death of Joann, whose obituary I found a few days ago. There is a family connection with Joann through my Grandfather, George Nolan, from Adare & Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, Ireland.