Joann K. Wenzel

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Joann Kay (Okland) Wenzel, 71, of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her three daughters on Friday, March 29, 2024.

Joann’s life began in Watford City, ND, where she was born on March 19, 1953, to Arthur and Valora (Ennis) Okland. She spent her early years in Watford City until her sophomore year of high school when the family moved to Minot, ND. She completed her education and graduated from Minot High School in 1971. Joann married Daniel Wayne Wenzel on June 3, 1972, in Minot, ND. They built a life together, raising three daughters in Minot, before divorcing in January 1996.

Joann’s professional journey was marked by dedication and commitment. She worked at Trinity Health in the nursery for 20 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant. In 2002, she relocated to Fargo, ND to be closer to her daughters and continued her career at Essentia Health as a Telemetry Tech for 15 years, until she retired in November 2017.

Joann enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking homemade meals and baking, especially Special K bars and caramel rolls. In 2000, Joann took her first plane ride to Boston, MA., and traveled to New Hampshire with her children, where she fell in love with the beach and ocean waves. She enjoyed recording family videos of birthdays, vacations, and special events. Listening to the rain and thunder was also a favorite pastime. As a young girl, she enjoyed fishing and boating with her dad. Her favorite activities included: gathering with family, playing cards, dancing, speedboat rides, watching her favorite TV shows and joking around. She had a unique sense of humor, which family and friends admired. She was considered the favorite aunt by many of her nieces and nephews. Mom’s favorite things were Coca-Cola Classic (in a glass of ice with a straw), all things chocolate and sunflower seeds.

Joann is survived by her daughters, Tera Jo Wenzel, Tawnya Kay (Mark Allan) Follingstad, and Trisha Ann (Shaun Matthew) Gould, all of West Fargo, ND. Her grandchildren, Mason Alexander Gould, Jonah Allan Follingstad, Lexi Ann Gould, Henry Mark Follingstad and Grace Kay Follingstad, all of West Fargo, ND. Grandpups, Boston Gould and Dusty Follingstad, all of West Fargo, ND. Sisters: Carole (Lyle) Lee, Judith (Wayne) Wahl and Eileen Findlay. Many nieces and nephews.

Joann is preceded in death by her grandson, Anthony Wayne Gould, and her parents, Arthur and Valora (Ennis) Okland, and former in-laws Samuel and Vivian “Lucy” (Ehlke) Wenzel.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 5-7 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Prayer Service at 7 pm at Boulger Funeral Home. A private family visitation, memorial and graveside service will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, starting at 9 am at Boulger Funeral Home, and Riverside Cemetery Fargo, ND.