JoAnne Krogstad

JoAnne (Clasen) Krogstad was born on August 17, 1940, to John and Charlotte (Cummins) Clasen in Pope County, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church. JoAnne graduated as Salutatorian from Villard High School in 1958. Growing up, JoAnne was an active 4-H Club member, winning many awards for her cooking, sewing and public speaking. JoAnne utilized her sewing skills in making all the attendants’ dresses for both her sisters’ weddings and the flower girls’ dresses for her niece’s wedding. She also made many beautiful pieces of clothing for herself, her daughters and her nieces.

On June 18, 1961, JoAnne married Cortlan “Corky” Krogstad at St. John’s in Villard. First, they lived in Glenwood, where JoAnne was the secretary at the Pope County Extension Office while Corky attended college. They next moved to Luverne, MN, where JoAnne was attendance clerk at the Jr.-Sr. High School and Corky taught 6th Grade. Here they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Kari. In 1969, the Krogstads moved to Buffalo Lake where Corky was elementary principal. Then in 1971, Alexandria became their home. The birth of their daughter, Kelli, added much joy to their lives. In 2002, JoAnne and Corky were blessed with son-in-law Pierre Klee.

Family was of utmost importance in her life, and it showed in the love she shared with them through the years.

JoAnne cherished the visits by her German aunt and cousins to America– getting to know them in person after many of her dad’s stories and shared letters and photos.

JoAnne loved spending time in the yard and garden. Her flowers were a great delight of color. Being a very giving person, she shared plants and produce with family and many friends. She also was an avid reader and liked playing games and cards. She liked cooking and baking including Thanksgiving and Christmas family dinners. Also, for many years, she made delicious holiday foods in hosting the school personnel of the schools where Corky was principal. Her plates of holiday cookies were always a big hit with neighbors and friends.

For twenty-five years, wherever they lived, JoAnne taught Sunday School: at St. John’s, Barsness in Glenwood, in Luverne and First Lutheran in Alexandria. She was active in church women’s groups, Alexandria Lioness Club, and as Victoria Vikings 4-H leader. She served as an Alexandria election judge for many years and trained new election officials.

JoAnne started an arts/craft business exhibiting at various shows, mainly in Minnesota. She made soft sculpture music boxes, art gourds, and more. She shared this love of crafting with her sisters. They enjoyed the opportunities to have some together time as they shared a booth space in selling their home-crafted wares.

Travel included family trips to many parts of the country. Later excursions involved visiting family and friends in Arizona, Florida, and Branson, MO. Her favorite destinations were along the ocean for gathering shells and sea glass many of which she used in her art.

JoAnne peacefully entered God’s Kingdom on August 2, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law Chester & Myrtle, brother Donald Clasen, sister Marilyn Rabehl, brothers-in-law: Jim Rabehl, Galen Hillerud and Lauris Johnshoy, and nephew Kent Rabehl.

She is survived by Corky, her husband of 61 years, her daughters, Kari and Kelli (Pierre), her sister Elsie (Al) Husom, brother-in-law Dale (Kay) Krogstad, sisters-in-law: Noreen Clasen, Sharon Johnshoy, Patty (Hank) Moen, and Mary Hillerud and nieces and nephews.

JoAnne is remembered with love and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.