On September 27, 1937, the world became a kinder place when Joanne Carrie Paulson was born in Clear Lake, Wisconsin. The eldest daughter of Harry and Charlotte Paulson, she grew up with her sisters in the local area, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class and also receiving the top citizenship award—no surprise to those who knew her.

Following high school, Joanne headed for Hamlin University in Saint Paul where she received a degree in nursing. While in college, she met the love of her life, Merton Hansen, on a blind date. They married on August 30th, 1958 at East Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amery, Wisconsin. Joanne worked as a nurse at the Amery Hospital until their 1st child, daughter Sandra, was born in 1960. Son Mark followed in 1963, and daughter Betsy completed the family in 1964.

Those early years found the Hansens in New Richmond (WI), North Branch and Dennison (MN). Eventually, the family moved to Rochester, Minnesota and Joanne returned to nursing as an RN on the orthopedics unit at Saint Mary's Hospital. During this time, she was a recipient of the Karis Award which “recognizes people who live out Mayo Clinic's values in an extraordinary way as they serve patients, visitors, and colleagues.” While humble at heart, this was an honor that Joanne was quite proud of and deservedly so.

Retirement allowed Joanne and Mert to spend part of the year near Sioux Narrows, Ontario on the one acre Lake of the Woods island that they also called home. This was her happy place and leisure activities such as reading, gardening, and sewing were even more enjoyable at the lake. She was a gracious host to the many friends and family that made the trip North for time in Canada, as well.

Consistent with the way she lived her life, Joanne peacefully left this world on May 28, 2024 at Samaritan Bethany Home in Rochester, MN—eager to join her husband Mert in their heavenly home.

She is survived by children Sandra (Kevin Parker), Mark (Melanie), and Betsy; grandchildren Gavin, Matthew, and Maia; sister Marilyn (Chuck) Wendt; brothers-in-law Kendall Johnson, Charles Hansen, Roger (Kathy) Hansen, and sister-in-law Elaine Solum. Preceding her in death were her beloved husband of 65 years Merton Hansen, infant daughter Anita, sister Avis Johnson, brother in law Duane Solum, sisters-in-law Linda Hanna and Betty Hansen, and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 4 , 2024 at East Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amery, Wisconsin. There will be a visitation starting one hour prior to the service and lunch will be served afterwards. Interment will be held in the church cemetery following the service.

Last Update: May 31, 2024 2:48 pm CDT