Joanne Van Wechel

Joanne Van Wechel, 93, of Fergus Falls, died April 7, 2026, at LB Broen Home.

Joanne Pearle Bullis was born June 10, 1932 to James W. and Pearl B (Colwill) Bullis on the family farmstead in Wilkin County. She attended school in Elbow Lake.

On October 14, 1951 Joanne married Gary Van Wechel at Lawrence Presbyterian Church in Wendell.

She worked beside her father, farming outside Wendell and at various businesses in Fergus Falls. She also worked, together with her husband Gary in multiple family businesses, Van's Muffler Shop, laundromats in Fergus Falls and Rothsay.

Joanne was an active member of the former Church of Peace in Fergus Falls and served many years as the Financial Treasurer.

She enjoyed gardening, especially her home's flowering landscape and socializing with family, church members, and neighbors.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Gary Van Wechel; son, Paul Van Wechel; brothers, Wallace and Jay Bullis, and sister, Vyonne Westoff.

Joanne is survived by her children, Velma Bjorgum (Brian Schmitt), Tim (Jan) Van Wechel, Tony (Kathy) Van Wechel, and Robert Van Wechel; daughter-in-law, DeAnn Van Wechel; sister, Verna Smee of California; grandchildren, Dina (Matt) Freitag, Tanya (Michael) Malvaney, Melissa (Brian) Josewski, Samantha (Derek) Van Wechel-Meyer, Anna (Kerron) Williams, Jordan (Tanner) Bjorland, Nic and Ty Van Wechel; great-grandchildren, Danielle (Bryant), Kaleb (Omalade), Caden (Shasta), Piper, Cole, Addisyn, Becklyn, Myles, Zinnia, Theo, and Emiliana; great-great-grandchildren, Omotoni, Baby Marquedant, and Baby Bjorland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with a Prayer Service at 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com