Joan Rheault

September 1, 1932 ~ February 16, 2025
Born in:
Milnor, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Joan Marie (Nicolai) Rheault was born on September 1, 1932, to Alfred H. and Anne Maria (Hiltner) Nicolai in Milnor ND. She grew up on the family farm and went to country school then to Milnor Public School then finished her High School at the Boarding School in Graceville, MN. After High School Joan moved to Fargo, ND and started working in the banking industry. She started at Merchants National Bank in Fargo, ND then she moved over to First National Bank in Moorhead, MN. First National was then acquired by Norwest Bank which was then acquired by Wells Fargo Bank. Joan retired from Wells Fargo in 1989.
Joan married Norman Rheault on June 1, 1957, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moorhead, MN. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Michael William on May 3,1958 and Richard John April 19, 1960. They made their home on the north side of Fargo, ND where they attended St. Mary’s Cathedral Church. Joan was very active at St. Mary’s and with the Catholic Daughter’s. She was the Regent for the court for many years and also the treasurer. She was involved in just about every event at Church.
She loved to be outside tending her garden and flowers. Joan was an avid canner so she always had vegetables on hand and in quiet times loved to crochet. She also loved to fish, taking many trips up into Manitoba, Canada where she would always out fish Norman. After retirement Joan and Norman wintered in Mesa, AZ for over 20 years. They loved socializing down there and made many friends.
On Sunday February 16, 2025, Joan passed away from complications of pneumonia and RSV at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, MN.
Joan is survived by her son’s Mike of Fergus Falls, MN; Rick of Grafton, ND; grandchild Laura (Josh) Rogers of Mandan, ND; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Owen and Wyatt Rogers.
Preceding Joan in death were her Parents Alfred and Anne Nicolai; husband Norman Rheault; siblings Mary Ann (Larry) McCarten, Katherine (Fred) Wieser, Theresa (Bill) Schmitt, Al Nicolai, Bernard (Shirley) Nicolai; daughter-in-law Linda Rheault; infant granddaughter Leah Rheault.
Blessed be the Memory of Joan Rheault.
Services
Funeral Mass - Monday: February 24, 2025 2:00 pm
Holy Spirit Catholic Church Fargo, ND
1420 7th St N
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 232-5900
https://holyspiritfargo.com/
Visitation - Monday: February 24, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Holy Spirit Catholic Church Fargo, ND
1420 7th St N
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
(701) 232-5900
https://holyspiritfargo.com/
My deepest sympathies to the family. I was so fortunate to have had the pleasure of knowing Joan. She was a wonderful lady and I truly valued her friendship. I will miss our get togethers and all the good times . God bless you all and take care!
You had such wonderful parents Mike. I always enjoyed visiting them when I’d go to the house to visit. So sorry about your mom
Connie Erickson
I remember Joan well from our First National Bank days. What a sweet lady, always had a smile! Sorry fir your loss.
Deepest sympathies to your family. It was such an honor and privilege to have been part of her care team. I will miss seeing her smiling face whenever she came to see me 💙. Susan Hanson
I remember Joan’s loving ways when I worked with her at 1st National and Norwest. She always looked after us young women and provided good advice. So sorry for your loss .
I remember Joan from 1st National/Norwest/Wells Fargo. She was a great teacher of explaining her job as the NoteTeller. I also loved her laugh!!! And now that I’m older I think of her when I do those 10 minute naps in the day 🙂
Bless you all,
When I first started working at First National Bank in. 1970. I was given the opportunity to work with Joan . I recall it was her job to manual calculate the interest due, as at that time we didn’t have computers to handle that function.i enjoyed the time working with her.
To Mike and family I am sorry for her loss.
I am so sorry for your loss of your mother my thoughts and prayers go out to you
I am a good friend of Rick’s. Moms are very special. I am sorry for your loss. God bless you all.