JoAnne Paulus

JoAnne Joyce Paulus, 73, of Fargo, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Harvey, ND, on November 15, 1951, JoAnne was the daughter of Herbert and Helen (Mock) Kohler.

JoAnne graduated from Drake High School in 1968 and married Blaine Leo Paulus later that year. Though they eventually parted ways, they shared a life full of laughter, challenges, and the joy of raising their three children: Sheila, Richard, and Ronald.

JoAnne’s work ethic and curiosity took her through a wide range of careers—from working on the line and driving a forklift at GNC Packaging, to mastering customer service roles at MTI, Orbitz for Business, and Discovery Benefits (later Wex), where she worked until retiring in November 2024.

But JoAnne’s true pride and joy were her grandchildren. Known affectionately by all as “Grandma JoAnne,” she rarely missed a concert, game, or celebration. Her flower beds overflowed each summer with her grandchildren’s favorite blooms, and her gift-giving was legendary—candy included. Family came first, and JoAnne’s love knew no bounds, showing up even for weddings and graduations she wasn’t technically invited to.

She believed deeply in God and love, but didn’t worry about labels—she was born Lutheran, became Catholic by marriage, and later chose simply to live with faith and kindness at the center of her life.

JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved siblings Violet (Norman) Ling, Minnie (Charles) Garvey, Edward (Rose) Kohler, Vern (Francis) Kohler, Evelyn (Jerry) Trowbridge, Lyle Kohler, and Richard Kohler. She was also preceded in death by her former in-laws Bob Richter, Roger Paulus, Renee Kramer, Marcella Paulus, and Duane Fry.

She is survived by her children Sheila (Steve), Richard (Jill), and Ronald (Diane); her grandchildren Dustin, Dawn, Skylar, Dylan (Mattilyn), Hayley, Tanner, Paige, Kaia, Aspyn, Brittany (Ryan), Levi (Kelsie), Reina, Alexis, Leah, and Torie; and her great-grandchildren Parker, Braxtyn, Peyton, and Easton. Also surviving are her siblings Sharon (Jerry) Berndt and Floyd (Mary) Kohler, as well as her sister-in-law June Kohler. JoAnne is also lovingly remembered by her former in-laws, who continued to treat her as family: Pat Richter, Irene Berndt, Rick (Caroline) Paulus, Duane Kramer, Mary (Mike) Tasker, Frankie Paulus, and Jim Paulus, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Sanford ICU, JoAnne’s regular care team at Sanford, and the compassionate staff at Bethany Rehab Suites.