Joanne Freeland

Joanne Freeland, 84, of Erhard, died Monday, August 11, 2025 at Essentia Health in Fargo.

Joanne Theresse Freeland (née Moline) was born July 2, 1941, to James and Charlotte Moline in Rolette, ND. Her childhood on the farm in Rolette was full of lively family activity, and as the oldest of 12 children, she was a big help to her parents. From her mother, Charlotte, she learned homemaking, gardening and parenting skills she would later put to good use as she ran her own busy household.

At age 14, Joanne left her home to attend Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, MN, where she studied for four years, after which she attended NDSU in Fargo for a year. Besides getting an education, Joanne also met her beloved and devoted husband Glenn (Freeland), the love of her life, at Hillcrest, and on December 30, 1960, they married. They moved to the family farm in Mayville, ND, in 1961 and farmed in partnership with Glenn's brother Keith for 35 years.

They had four children: Jan, Jacquelyn, Jonathan, and Jason. The Freeland clan enjoyed doing farm work, sports, travel, and church activities together; and Joanne was an active participant, including driving beet truck. But what her family loved the most was the delicious home cooking that she prepared for every meal. She was known for her hospitality, for the beautiful tables she set, and for opening her home with a big heart to hundreds of people throughout the years. Thanks to Joanne, the Freeland home was always a center of family and church activity.

Joanne was a devout follower of Jesus, and her faith always guided her actions. She and Glenn were very active in the Cummings Evangelical Free Church, where Joanne was very involved in church life including singing and leading women's ministries. She and Glenn were also youth group leaders for 15 years and poured their hearts into this ministry. They loved to spend time with young people, demonstrating through their own lives how to wholeheartedly love and serve God.

Anyone who knew Joanne though, knew that singing was one of the greatest loves and sources of joy in her life. She had a beautiful soprano voice and sang often in church, and even more often with her six sisters (sometimes they even let their six brothers join them!). In high school, she travelled across the U.S. with the Jubilaires, a female singing quartet from Hillcrest. They even put out an album! Over the years, Joanne and her sisters performed at many venues and celebrations, often to encourage and show love to people who needed it. And just the week before she went home to be with Jesus, she was singing her favorite songs from her heart in the hospital room with her sisters and her daughters.

But even more than her love of singing, was her love for family. Joanne was a born cheerleader, always supporting and encouraging those around her. She loved to go to all the various sporting events that her kids participated in. She kept up the tradition with her grandkids, attending their snowmobile and motocross races, basketball and football games, volleyball matches, plays, musicals (maybe her favorite!), graduations, birthday celebrations, and any other event that included one or more of her 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She also joined her family members on adventures such as snowmobiling, skiing, camping, biking, and even rode extensively around the Midwest behind Glenn on his Goldwing motorcycle!

Spending the winters at their beautiful condo in Reddington Shores, FL gave them the opportunity to make close friends with many wonderful people there. Once again, their hosting talents were amply used as they opened their hearts and home to a steady stream of family and friends who enjoyed their hospitality. Glenn and Joanne also loved to travel together, and enjoyed seeing the world with family and friends via cruise ship and campers.

Joanne also volunteered extensively. She and Glenn made three trips to Central Asia, visiting many remote locations as part of their Crosslink Development International leadership roles, blessing people with their love, care, and support wherever they went. She also served as the President of the General Federation of Women's Club (GFWC) where she spearheaded a program which raised funds to purchase books for public school libraries.

Although Joanne struggled with psoriatic arthritis and other health issues, she put up a valiant fight until the day she went to her glorious, eternal home. When she passed from this life to meet her Savior, all four of her children and eight of her grandchildren were by her side, laying hands on her as her beloved husband Glenn prayed over her.

Joanne is survived by husband of 64 years, Glenn Freeland. Joanne was also survived by her children Jan Stilwell (Dave) of Fergus Falls; Jackie Jerde (Joel) of Delano, MN; Jon Freeland (Michelle) of Minneapolis, MN; Jason Freeland (Cindy) of Corcoran, MN; and grandchildren Michael (Kim), Alexander, and Caleb (Jayna) Stilwell; Stephen (Sam), Benjamin (Haley), and Curtis Jerde; Sid Schaben; Elias, Vince, Annika, and Isabella Freeland; Drew, Brady and Morgan Freeland; and great-grandchildren Maude and Mabel Jerde.

Joanne was preceded in death by her brothers, Dan Moline (Kay) and John Douglas "Doug" Moline (Emma) and is survived by siblings Jim Moline (Arlyne), Claudia Pryor (Don), Carole Schiesser (Dale), Nathan Moline (Athena), Naomi Larson (Mark), Val Hobbs (Talmadge), Tom Moline (Gladys), Kay Stalcar, Wendi Peterson (Scott), and Craig Moline (Holly).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Joanne Freeland Musical Scholarship Fund, created in Joanne's honor. This fund will give emerging musicians and worship leaders in developing countries the opportunity to purchase an instrument, take music or voice lessons, and record and publish their songs and worship music. We know that this would bring Joanne great joy. Donations can be sent to Glenn Freeland (24797 Tonseth Lane, Erhard, MN 56534) and the Freeland Family Fund will oversee this scholarship fund.

Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 25, 2025 at Life Church, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church, 901 County Highway 116, Fergus Falls, MN 56537. A lunch will follow the service.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com