Obituary/JoAnn Marie Hennum, 86

JoAnn Marie Hennum of Fargo, ND (formerly of Donaldson, MN), passed into the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 9, 2026. Those who knew JoAnn will forever remember her quick wit, her jokes, and the one-liners that could brighten any room.

JoAnn was born on June 17, 1939, to Melvin and Thelma (Larson) Nelson in Crookston, MN. She graduated from Crookston Central High School in 1957 and began her career working at the courthouse in Crookston.

One evening after work, a young man selling cookware knocked on her door and asked her out. That gentleman, Merle Hennum, would soon become the love of her life. They were united in marriage on February 17, 1962, and shared the next 38 years building a life, a family, and countless memories together.

JoAnn and Merle made their home on the Hennum farmstead in Donaldson, MN. Early on, JoAnn’s first attempt at baking bread turned into what she fondly described as “soup,” but she quickly perfected her recipes and became an exceptional baker of breads and bars. Life on the farm was busy, and she spent many seasons preparing meals, delivering them to the fields, and shuttling equipment from one place to another. Despite calling herself a “klutz,” she managed only two emergency room visits over decades of working around large machinery.

She handled the billing and administrative work for Northwest Steel and logged countless miles—often with kids in tow—tracking down the right motor or sprocket for the job. JoAnn also generously served her community through the American Cancer Society, the Kittson County Historical Society, and the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Auxiliary.

In the winter of 1991, JoAnn and Merle tried their hand at becoming snowbirds, spending a few weeks in South Texas. After exploring several destinations, they settled on Lake Havasu City, AZ, in 1996, where JoAnn continued to winter until her health prevented her from returning in 2025.

In 2000, JoAnn moved from the farm to Fargo, ND, where she enjoyed being closer to family. She treasured sleepovers with her grandchildren, attending their school and sporting events, and the occasional day trip to the casino to “support the local economy of the small town.”

JoAnn is survived by her children, Jeff (Margaret) Hennum and Todd (Stacy) Hennum; brothers, Gerald (Carolyn) Nelson, Jerome (Kathy) Nelson, and Richard Nelson; and grandchildren, Claire Hennum, Amelia Hennum, Anna Hennum, Sadie Wark, Sienna Wark, and Brevin Wark. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Merle; her brother, Allen Nelson; and her grandson, Cody Hennum.

A funeral service will take place at 3:00 PM, Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Atonement Lutheran Church, Fargo. Visitation will take place one hour prior to services. Burial will take place at a later date. 

Arrangements entrusted to Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. To view the livestream and sign the online guestbook, please visit: www.Boulgerfuneralhome.com