Joan Willenbring

JOAN MARIE WILLENBRING December 30, 1963 – December 28, 2019                   Joan Marie Willenbring, age 55 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Ponsford, MN, peacefully passed into eternal glory where she joined her mother and brother in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 28, 2019 just two days before her 56th birthday.                 Joan was born on December 30, 1963 in Park Rapids, MN to Tim and Mavis (Schmaus) Willenbring.  As a girl, she attended the Osage Public school through the 4th grade and then went to attend public school in Park Rapids from where she graduated with the Park Rapids Area High School Class of 1982.  As a young woman, Joan ventured to Moorhead, MN where she attended Rita’s Beauty College to learn the art of cosmetology.  She was married during this time and blessed with a daughter, Jackie.  She then moved to Valley City, North Dakota where she worked in health care.  During this time, Joan was inspired to enter nursing.  She went on to attend the Fergus Falls Community College where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse degree.  Joan has made her home in the Park Rapids, MN area right up until the time of her death.                 She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jackie (Zach) Patmore of Miranda, CA and her grandson, Cooper; her father, Tim (Marilyn) Willenbring of Ponsford, MN; her sisters: Pat (Alan) Butler and Paula (Keith) Zitzow all of Rochert, MN and her twin sister, Jean (Michael) Coulson of Kohler, Wisconsin; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.                 Joan was preceded in death by her mother, Mavis in June of 1978; her brother, George in April of 2013 and her niece, Stacie Zitzow.                 Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Friday, January 3, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Two Inlets with Father Joe Hipas officiating.  The St. Mary’s Funeral Choir under the direction of Mary Schmitz will lead the mass music.  The casket bearers will be:  Alan Butler, Shane Butler, Keith Zitzow, Eric Zitzow, Tom Cooney, and Michael Coulson.  Interment will be made in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery next to her brother, George.  Visitation was held from 5 to 8 PM Thursday, January 2, 2020 and will continue beginning 10 AM Friday, January 3rd at the church.  Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted by the St. Mary’s church family.    To leave online condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com