Joanne Marie Boen

Joanne Marie Boen, 93, of Fergus Falls passed away on Friday June 21, 2024 at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls. She was surrounded by loved ones and will be greatly missed.

Joanne Marie (Kiehne) Boen was born September 18, 1930 in Nelson, Minnesota to Carl and Edna Kiehne. Joanne grew up on the family farm in Garfield. Spending her days outside and having fun with the animals. She graduated high school from Alexandria High School and then went on to teachers training. She ended up teaching at the River School in Fergus Falls for two years.

Joanne worked part time as a waitress while attending teacher training and that is where she met Elroy Boen. Elroy was captivated by Joanne and knew he had to do something special to get her attention. He dressed up in his fancy clothes and went to the restaurant just to see Joanne. He made an impression on her and they got married on October 26, 1952 in Garfield.

Joanne and Elroy went on to have six children together: Richard, Diane, Kathy, Gary, Michael, and Jane. The family lived on the Boen family dairy farm. While Joanne didn’t enjoy milking the cows, she did love raising chickens even though they drove Elroy crazy.

Joanne had many hobbies outside of the farm. She had a beautiful garden, enjoyed going to church, sewing club, ladies aide, and all other types of community clubs. Joanne had a real love for her church, the Aurdal Lutheran Church, where she was treasurer, secretary, and volunteered a lot of her time. She taught Sunday school for many years. Her faith wrapped her love and comfort.

She was also a great cook. She didn’t just raise chickens but made great fried chicken, that Elroy did love. Her kids loved her baking, she would make the best brownies and sugar cookies. She also spent time canning, pickling, and making homemade jellies that the whole family loved to eat. While Joanne loved to spend time with her family more than anything she did enjoy spending some time alone doing crosswords, find-a-word, solitaire and puzzles, keeping her mind sharp for years to come.

Joanne stayed on the family farm after the death of Elroy in October of 1999 and stayed there until she went to live in the Broen Home in November of 2020 in Fergus Falls. She was very independent and loved being on the farm.

Joanne is preceded in death by her husband Elroy, her parents Carl and Edna Kiehne, her brothers: Carlyle, Jerome, and Louval Kiehne, and her sister Andriene Wilke. Also, her children: Richard and daughter-in-law Susan Boen, Diane and Kathy Boen, her grandson Kristopher Boen and great-grandson Elijah Boen.

She is survived by her children: Gary Boen of rural Underwood, Michael Boen of Elk River, Jane (Karl) Olson of Pelican Rapids; five grandchildren: Stephanie (Aaron) Green, David (Ellie) Boen, Kari Boen, Michelle ‘Shelly’ Boen, Jessica ‘Jessy’ (Evan) Ritchie; nine great-grandchildren: Lexi and Kya Ambuehl, Ethan Menge, Isiah Boen, Joe, Jack, Louie and Leo Green, and Laney Boen; and many nieces and nephews.

Joanne was a wonderful woman who loved her family dearly. She will be greatly missed by all those that have met her.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Broen Home for the wonderful care given to Joanne the last 3 1/2 years and to Hospice her last week.

Joanne's Funeral Service is Saturday June 29 at 11am at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. The visitation is 1 hour prior, 10-11am.