JoAnn Prischmann

JoAnn Renae Prischmann, 76, of Fergus Falls, died on September 16, 2026 under the care of Hospice at LB Broen Home in Fergus Falls, MN following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

She was born in Fergus Falls to Harvey and Eleanor (Knutson) Halvorson on August 21, 1950. She was the youngest of three children.

JoAnn was a quiet and gentle soul and the most loyal friend anyone could ask for. She didn't date much in high school, but during her senior year, she caught the eye of an older, and considerably more social boy from Elizabeth named Dan. JoAnn may have been the quiet one, but Dan was social enough for the both of them. With a little persistence on his part, he won her heart. They quickly fell in love and married at just 19 and 20 years old, beginning a life together.

Family and her hometown were her pride and joy. They started their family in Fergus, welcoming their oldest daughter, Jennifer, in 1972. Soon after, Dan was transferred to Minneapolis as a newly assigned MN State Trooper. This move brought a lot of change to the newly married couple, but JoAnn held down the homefront, and made the transition easier for their young family. In 1974, they welcomed their second daughter, Danielle. Shortly after, they finally had their son Matthew in 1977. JoAnn loved her role as an at-home mom to her three children, a job she was clearly destined for.

In 1979, her father-in-law passed suddenly, which brought their family back to the Prischmann farm in Elizabeth, just outside of Fergus Falls. The move home was bittersweet, as it meant facing their first loss as a couple, but also brought JoAnn back to "home" to where her heart always lived. JoAnn once again led the family with grace in the transition to their new home and life on the farm. These years were where she shined. Together they raised a family full of love for one another, but most importantly, a love for the Lord. Faith was at the center of their marriage and family, which was evident to all JoAnn encountered. She was truly an angel on earth.

While at home, she took a part time job as the Clerk for the City of Elizabeth. This was a job that offered her the flexibility to remain present for her family, but also contribute to the work force. In 1992, she became co-owner of The Music Staff. This was a natural role for her, as she previously worked at Roy Olson Music during high school. The Music Staff was sold to Carlson Music in 1997, however, she retained an active role in the business for nearly two decades, supporting the arts in our local schools and community. She eventually retired from both positions in 2004.

JoAnn handled managing a business, home life, and the role of caretaker to her mother and mother-in-law with grace and compassion. Her and Dan also raised their children to know and love the Lord while attending the Church of the Nazarene. Many faith filled relationships grew out of this time for her, which she cherished throughout her lifetime.

Once her children were out of the home, her and Dan returned to her family church Grace United Methodist in Fergus Falls. In retirement, she poured herself into her church, volunteering alongside her beloved sister Carolyn (Lunde) in youth ministry at Grace through Kids in Mission. JoAnn also had a heart for service work and contribution to her community at home in Fergus Falls, and in Christ. In 2003, 2008 and 2013, she and Dan, along with her brother Clint (Halvorson) and sister-in-law, Anne completed service mission trips to UMCOR's Sager Brown Missions in Baldwin, Louisiana where they spent time doing hands-on disaster-relief and community work.

One of the most cherished roles JoAnn took on was becoming a grandma. JoAnn loved being a grandma, and was the best one there could ever be! Grandma always had a listening ear and hugs to give. She prayed for her kids and grandkids daily and entrusted their protection to Jesus.

In 2019, she lost the love of her life suddenly. In typical JoAnn fashion, she handled this difficult situation with grace, relying on her faith and family to guide her through; while also experiencing her own declining health. In 2023, JoAnn moved into Mill Street Residence where she found "her calling" to welcome and greet her fellow residents and staff. She had a way of making everyone feel at home. Her example of unwavering faith and ministry was an inspiration to everyone.

After her 17-year battle with Parkinson's disease, she was finally set free to be with Jesus, and reconnect with her love in heaven. She was the strongest, most loving person that so many people had the honor of knowing and being loved by. Her memory, and love will last a lifetime in all those that were loved by her.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Prischmann; parents, Harvey and Eleanor Halvorson; in-laws, Carl Sr. and Helen Prischmann; sister, Carolyn Lunde; brothers-in-law, Tom and Carl Jr. Prischmann and Arvid Morken, and sister-in-law, Patti Halvorson.

She is survived by her 3 children, Jennifer of Hopkins, Danielle (Greg) Buckmeier of Fergus Falls, and Matthew (Jess) of Minnetonka; her grandchildren, Aabreana, Amelia and Leighton Buckmeier, Henry and Hana; sibling, Clint (Anne) Halvorson of Fergus Falls; brother-in-law, Alan Lunde of Fergus Falls; sisters-in-law, Diane and Karen Prischmann of Fergus Falls and Nancy Morken of Bismarck; numerous nieces and nephews who were like children to her.

Memorials are preferred to Grace UMC Kids in Mission, Grace UMC Youth and Grace UMC General Fund.

Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026 at Grace United Methodist Church of Fergus Falls. Details on time and events to be determined later.

Private Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls, MN at a later date.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, MN.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com