Joanne was born on November 7, 1934, in Miles City, MT to Hilding "Moe" and Borghild "Borgie" Undem Carlson. She attended school in Terry and graduated in 1952. She attended Eastern Montana College and graduated in 1954 with a teaching certificate and later went back and completed her bachelors of science in elementary education/reading. She taught in Bridger, Sidney, Belle Creek, and Terry. In 1957 Joanne married William J. Madden and together they had three daughters; Kay, Kristie and Paula. They lived with their daughters on a ranch near Ridge, Montana and later moved to Belle Creek, Montana. In 1978, Joanne and girls moved to Terry and she fulfilled her true calling when she worked for Mrs. Wilson in the 1st grade. Joanne found great pleasure in working with young learners. She had a real gift for helping students find success in learning. Later Joanne accepted a position at the Prairie County ASCS office. She enjoyed working with producers and establishing long term friendships with them. She retired in 2004 and devoted her time to the Prairie County Museum and her grandchildren. Joanne loved nothing more than preserving and promoting history of Prairie County. In 1990 she fulfilled a life-long dream when her brother, John took her to Norway to visit family. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and ancestry.
For the past 20 years she followed the Terry Terriers´ school activities. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren and their academic & athletic accomplishments. More than anything "Granny" had an overwhelming love and adoration for her Grandchildren. They were the center of her world and she was the center of theirs too.
Joanne is preceded in death by her parents Moe & Borgie and Brother John. She is survived by her daughters, Kay, (Tom) Pisk; Kristie (Kurt) Ratz; and Paula; and four grandchildren: Sarah, Taylor and Trevor Pisk; and Meliena Ratz; and sister-in-law Hilary Carlson and nieces Ingrid Carlson Barrier and Christina Carlson Crowley, as well as many cousins.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. Private family burial will be held in the Prairie County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Prairie County Museum or the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry.
Delite says
Oh my goodness, I had no idea that your mom passed yesterday til my mom told me. I’m so very sorry. Joanne was such a great person. Kristie you probably remember when I tried to do some interior decorating for your mom and she just wasn’t impressed with the “black” toilet seat. Take care and if there’s anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to call or email. Delite
J Nunnally says
I am sorry to learn about your family’s sorrow. The death of a loved one is difficult. Let me share scripture that may bring comfort to all. Please, read John 6:40, 44 and Ps. 36:9.
Kelly, Dulcy & DJ says
Tom, Kay and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lynette and Dwight Tague says
So very sorry to hear of your loss. I actually looked for your mom in church Sunday because I enjoyed our brief chats when we sat together. We have all of you in our prayers.
Kevin and Toni Kalfell says
Was so shocked to hear of your Mom’s passing as I had just visited with her last week and thought she looked well. How quickly life changes. Kay, your Mom was always so kind to me and I feel honored to have known her. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all your family.
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
We were so very sorry to learn of Joanne’s sudden passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family.
Delphine Coon says
Sorry to see that you Mother passed away. It is a sad time, but in time you will remember the fun and funny times with your mom. My girls and I sometimes just look at each other and laugh, knowing what we are thinking and how we sometimes are like our Mother. Your mom was such a nice person. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mark & Erin Parman says
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Joanne. I’ll always remember the stories she would tell of her Uncle Nels and raising sheep. Our prayers for all.
Sue and Gene Cranford says
Kay, Kristie and Paula ~
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your mom is a great lady and I know she will be missed. Love all of you. Sue and Gene
Jim Lindstrom says
Kay, Kristie and Paula ~ I was saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have wonderful memories of working with her when I lived in Terry, so many years ago.
Wynona & Charlie Breen says
We will miss JoAnne. She is a favorite friend.
Aletta & Randy Shannon says
Paula, Kristie, Kay and families~
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Your Mother always had a smile!
May your special memories help ease your pain. Hugs to you~
Lynne & Don Bigwood says
We were so sorry to hear of Joanne’s death. She was a treasure. We will miss her friendly face and manner. Also when no one else was home, the welcome mat was always out at her house. We were blessed to count her as a friend. You girls and grand kids have our sympathy and prayers. Love,
Wayne Wetherelt Jr says
Kay and family of Joanne
As a former classmate of yours, Kay, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of your family. May you cherish all the memories you have with your loved one and may time help ease your pain. Take care Wayne Wetherelt Jr. Eureka, MT
Doug And Jo Ann Goroski says
Girls sorry to hear of your loss. Mom and Dad always talked highly of all of you guys. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Andrea Miller says
Joanne Madden Family,
Sorry to hear about the loss of Joanne. She was a great lady and will be missed greatly.
Mike, Sherry, Kyla and Brady says
We are so sorry to hear about Joanne, what a loss for your family and our community.It will be so hard not to see her in church.
She will be missed here but Heaven will be a better place with her in it…and she will be in great company!
Love and sympathy from our family to yours
Cameron, Rhonda and family says
So sorry to hear about your Mom. I will always remember her kindness and caring manner.
Cindy Lund says
Kay, Paula, and Kristie, We are so sorry to hear about Joanne’s passing. Last summer, she took time out of her day, to open the museum and Cameron gallery for our Norwegian cousins and us. They enjoyed her stories your Norwegian relatives.
You three come from a great family and we are thinking of you.
Cindy Lund and Charlie White
Wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
Our sincere sympathy for the family. Our prayers & thoughts are with you during this time of loss.
Stanley Markuson says
Kristi, Kay & Paula,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. My thoughts are with you.
Valli Gaskill says
Kay & Family:
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother – losing your Mom is Hard – but, memories will help ease your pain, now and in the future.
Take car and God Bless,
Valli
Kathy (Hinnaland) West says
Dear Kay, Kristie, and Paula,
We’re so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a special lady and a dear friend of our family for so many years. I love the photo of her on this site and the obituary is such a nice tribute to her. Hugs to all of you during this difficult time. She will be missed by many but she will live on in each of you.
Love,
Kathy, Mark, and John
Bradley Craig says
Paula, Kay, & Kristie,
I am so sorry to hear about Joanne. I have great memories of being with Joanne and your family. I always enjoyed hearing about her Norwegian roots and I particularly enjoyed the Norwegian cookies – although I don’t know that I ever pronounced the cookie names correctly…. I hope that an abundance of good memories comfort you in your time of grief. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn Jones Traub says
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a great lady. May are thoughts and prayers be with you.
Cecelia Sweeney says
Sorry to hear about your mother. Best wishes to all you girls.
Kay Marie Thompson Townsend says
Dear KAY, KRISTIE, PAULA and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your mamma…seeing her beautiful picture brought tears to my eyes and flooded my heart with many memories of our time together in Belle Creek. You are all in my thoughts and heart..I love you all, Kay T
Denise Stambaugh says
I am saddened to hear of Joanne’s passing. She was a neat lady to work with and always had a good sense of humor. May God wrap his love around you.
Robin Bieroth says
I’m sorry about your Mom Kay. Take care
Robin