Joanne Geist

joanne  geist

Joanne Geist, 75, of Fargo, ND passed away on April 17, 2020 at Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo. Private funeral services will be held at 10:00AM CST at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. The service will be livestreamed on the Boulger website along with a recording to be available post-service.

Joanne Helen Jacobsen was born on October 1, 1944 in Primghar, IA to Hans and Helen (Ewald) Jacobsen. Growing up her family farmed and moved between Iowa and South Dakota before settling in Montana. She graduated from High School in Hamilton, MT in 1962 and went on to graduate from the Modern Business College in Missoula, MT. On November 14th, 1964 she was united in marriage to Leroy Geist. Leroy’s career took them from Montana to Idaho and eventually to Fargo where they raised two daughters; Lisa and Nikki. In 1990 Joanne retired from an accounting career and they moved to Long Lake just outside of Detroit Lakes, MN. An avid golfer and bridge player Joanne enjoyed her time with her friends and family in MN. Leroy passed away in May 1998 and shortly after she moved back to Fargo to be able to spend more time with her grandchildren; girl/boy twins Madison and Hunter Lucas and Abby Loney. Joanne loved to golf, play cards, do crafts and travel. Active in Hospice and her Faith (Bible Study, Stewardship and Church Council) kept her busy for many years. Diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Memory Disorder in 2006, Joanne slowly succumbed to Alzheimer’s over the past years.
Joanne is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Mike) Lucas and Nikki (Jason) Loney of Fargo; three grandchildren, Madison and Hunter Lucas and Abby Loney all of Fargo; four brothers, Roger (Christine) Jacobsen of Rock Springs, WY, Jim (Debra) Jacobsen of Livingston, MT, Gary (Cynde) Jacobsen of Fairbanks, AK and Jake (Peggy) Jacobsen of Livingston, MT; two sisters, Lois (Darryl) Anderson of Meridian, ID and Betty Lower of Belgrade, MT; numerous nieces and nephews; and special companion of over a decade LeRoy Babolian of Glyndon, MN. Joanne was preceded in death by husband Leroy Geist and her parents and grandparents.

The family would like to thank all of Joanne’s family and friends for their visits and thoughts of encouragement throughout the years. We would also like to thank her doctors at Essentia and Sanford and care-giving staff at Touchmark, Elim and Bethany in Fargo.

In lieu of flowers designated memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or to a local organization, in your area, to help those in need at this time.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Lisa, Mike, Madison & Hunter,
    I am sad to read that Joanne has passed. I remember her as she was when our kids were young and she was so full of energy and delight.
    You are in my warmest thoughts for peace in your mind and hearts… She is freed. Amen!

  2. She was a wonderful lady! I have many fun memories Joanne and Leroy when lived in Twin Falls, Idaho. My mom, Faye, and Joanne we’re very close. I loved hearing them laugh! Mark Dunham from Boise, Idaho.

  3. Stay strong girls our prayers are with all of you. We are all comforted by knowing she is in a much better place. You will all be in our thoughts during these trying times Love to all of you.

  4. Great Memories, Joanne & LeRoy were clients and friends of mine. Always cheerful and just good people. My sympathy and prayers to all of you!

  5. We remember Joanne’s energetic cheer leading support of Hamilton Bronc sports as well as all her other high school activities. Joanne, Jill, Dolores and myself shared a small, basement apartment in Missoula while we all attended Business College in Missoula and actually all graduated despite the craziness of living together. Our prayers to all her family, especially to you Jim.
    Dan and Cheryl Rothlisberger, Members of Class of 1962

  6. JoAnn was perhaps one of the most cherished persons I ever met. When I was at St. John Lutheran she was such a support and inspiration for me. I remember when she shared with me about the alzheimer’s. We both cried and prayed. I would stop and see her both at Touchmark and at Elim. I did not know where she was at after the ELIM fire. She can now be freed from this disease and be filled with vibrancy and love of God. I hope to be able to view the service as a last tribute to an amazing lady. May memories bring joy and comfort in the days ahead. You were an amazing family who showed love, even when it was difficult. God be with you. Brenda Bauer

  7. I am sorry for you and your family*s loss. She is at rest and you will miss her, but I am sure you are relieved that she is where she wanted to be. .Thank you for keeping in touch.
    We had a good time in high school and have always thought of her bright eyes. She was tough competition in Jr high baseball, as we were on opposing teams.
    Thinking of you at this time.
    Sincerely,
    Wilma Foley
    Spokane, Wa.

  8. Nikki, Our trust is in the Lord who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall have life everlasting.
    Thanks be to God,
    Cheeri Hestdalen

  9. I remember the first time we met Joanne at our girls’ soccer game. She was always kind and friendly. I know my mom enjoyed having another grandma to visit with while cheering on their grandchildren. Our thoughts and sympathy are with you all.

  10. My name is Jane Parker & I live in Detroit Lakes. Your mother & I bowled together & had lots of laughs! I’m sorry that I never met you girls, as your mom talked a lot about you! I was saddened to read in the paper that your mom had passed. She was a beautiful lady inside & out. I like to remember her as she was in the beautiful picture that you chose. I’m very sorry I didn’t keep our friendship going after she moved. Please know that my sympathy & prayers go out to you & your families. God bless you!

  11. Lisa and Nikki-
    I am so sorry for your loss. I always admired your mom. I loved her confidence and sense of style.
    My thoughts are with you and your families.
    Best,
    Jodi (daughter of Dianne and Bill Gooch)

  12. My dear sister, Joanne, is in the presence of the Lord Jesus and we will be united someday. It is difficult to let go but she no longer dealing with the results of Alzheimer ‘s. Our family will forever miss her and I know all of her many friends feel the same way. Our prayers are with Lisa Lucas and Family and Niki Loney and daughter. My husband Darrel and I will cherish the times we had with Joanne & LeRoy over the years.

  13. Our thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. We knoe you will cherish your memories, will keep them with you, and know she is now at peace.

  14. Lisa, Nikki & family~ I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. She was such a fun & nice lady. Hoping all the memories carry you through this difficult time.

    Kim (Kvern) Haug

  15. Nikki and Lisa,

    We are so very sorry for the loss of your mom. The memories of playing golf, great bridge hands, parties at the lake and dissecting plots at book club live on in our hearts. We know that your mom left your families with many memories of love and laughter.

    Sympathy, love and prayers,
    Greg and Suzanne

  16. A lasting friendship along with precious memories were made with your Mom and Dad when our paths crossed several years ago. Memories of learning to play bridge, to play golf, and weekends at the lake boating with family. Special memories and a loving friendship never to be forgotten.

  17. Lisa & Nikki

    I so enjoyed working with Joanne on many of the Emmanuel Charity Balls when she and LeRoy lived in Detroit Lakes. She had great ideas for keeping each event unique and for the bands that might be available. I am sorry for your loss. I treasure my memories of her.

  18. Lisa, Nikki, and Familes
    We were saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. Peggy and I have very fond memories of the fun times we shared together having meals and parties together and also spending times together on Big Floyd Lake. Her picture reminds us of yesterday.
    Out sympathy and prayers go out to all of you.
    Lyn & Peggy Syverson

  19. Family of Joanne,
    Our prayers and thoughts are with all of You. Joanne was a very precious and beautiful friend. We will miss her deeply! She always thought of others first and we treasured her friendship.

    Julius and Mavis Helm

  20. Jason, Nikki and family,
    Sorry to hear of Joanne’s death. Praying that you would feel Gods peace. Joanne was a lovely woman🙏
    Deb Kluck

  21. We are saddened to hear of your Mother’s passing. We have kept her in our thoughts and hearts. I will always remember the great smile when she met someone. It was so warm and welcoming. We pray for God’s Peace, His Light, and His Grace.

    Jim and Diane Lambert

  22. Lisa, Nikki and families, You all are in my thoughts and prayers. You all can be comforted in knowing you did everything you could for your mom and she is now in a better place. Back to the person she was and healed. Although I know it is leaving a huge hole in your lives please know we are all here for all of you. I’m sure you are going through so many emotions right now and remember to hang on to those wonderful memories of your Mom. She will always hold a special spot in my heart! Love you all so much.

  23. Dear Nikki and Family—

    I was saddened to learn of your mother’s passing.

    She was a beautiful lady and I can only imagine what a wonderful mother and grandmother she was.

    I could see a resemblance of you after seeing your mom’s picture. Such pretty blue eyes!

    Losing parents is so difficult no matter their age.

    Count on your many wonderful memories of both your parents. It is okay to cry and to laugh as your grieve your loss.

    May God Bless the Life of Joanne .

    Much love to your family and you.🙏

    Pennie and Mike Humphrey
    Mesa, AZ

  24. It seems like we’ve know Joanne and the rest of the family forever. There are so many great memories. Hopefully we’ll have time after the coronavirus issue subsides to visit with some of the family members. It is with a very sad heart that we say good by. God bless all of you.

  25. Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers of comfort to you all. Love – Leif, Wendy, Leinna & Lukkas Jacobsen

  26. Our hearts go to Lisa, Nikki and family for your loss. Joanne was a beautiful soul and she will be missed. I will always cherish the memories of the graciousness of Leroy, Joanne and the girls when we would come and visit.

  27. What a full beautiful life! You will be missed by so many, Joanne.
    Fondly,
    Alene Hollingsworth Tunny
    Hamilton High School Class of 1962

  28. Aunt Betty, Joe, Carla

    Thinking of you guys with great sadness. Hope you find comfort in all the memories.

    Love to you all!

  29. Our deepest sympathy, we have many wonderful memories of our times together in Detroit Lakes. God’s Blessings to all the family. Darrol & Grace Nichols

  30. What a beautiful service. Thank you for steaming it so we could attend. I knew Joann through Church and her presence added peace and interest. Since she hasn’t been able to come for a while, my husband and I would remember the interesting conversations we had with her. My husband’s birthday was in Oct “43” so she always teased him about being older. Your family has been in our prayers.

  31. Beautiful service. So, enjoyed the pictures. Brought back lots of memories. Hold dear to them.

    Love;

    Aunt Betty
    Joe and Carla

  32. Nikki,
    I worked with your Mom when she lived at Touchmark. Such a stylish and fun lady. Thinking of you during this hard time.

  33. Lisa and Nikke a beautiful service, it takes me back to when we were kids, how we made it is only God had his hand on our family. God bless your family’s.

  34. Lisa, Nikki and families.
    You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Such a wonderful service and slide show. It brought back great memories of past Family reunions and all their childhood stories. Joanne will be deeply missed.

  35. Our family lost touch with Joanne in recent years but she was such an important person for us when we moved to Detroit Lakes in August of 1998. She invited me to join her bible study circle of which I am still a member. She was also the confirmation mentor for our daughter Sophie and was there with us all day when she was confirmed. We enjoyed celebrating her 60th birthday at the wonderful party you put on for her. She invited Elizabeth Circle at Trinity to come to her new home in Fargo for a bible study at holiday time so we got to see her wonderful decorations there too. She was truly a gracious lady full of faith and love. We are thankful for the years we got to enjoy her friendship.

  36. Joanne was a sterling member of St. John Lutheran Church, then she moved away. Some years later she returned and everyone was so excited. She jumped into activity right away. We did some yoga together.
    I’m glad I could attend her virtual funeral.

  37. I have great memories of Joanne’s friendship during and after our school days together in Hamilton MT. Those early days were special. Knowing that her family was beside her in recent years, in particular, was most comforting.

  38. Hey Nana, it’s Hunter. I just want you to know that we love and miss you everyday. I’ve moved and am officially done with school and currently in Boise, ID with Leah (wish you could have met her). Mom and Dad are still in Fargo but are moving to Boise within the next two year! Maddy and Josh are still in Fargo and doing great! Abby is taller than maddy and I and getting ready to take college visits! Aunt Nikki and uncle Jason are doing great as well and enjoying time at the lake! We all Love and Miss you so much!❤️


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide