Remembering Joan Fjoslien

The members of the Brandon History Center, the Brandon City Council, the residents and so many visitors are so grateful to Joan for her generous donation and support of the Brandon History Center.  She was the force that helped us to get started. Joan was a constant provider of encouragement. May she rest in peace. 

Obituary for Joan Fjoslien

Joan Carol Erdahl Fjoslien died at Bethany on the morning of September 26, 2015 at the age of 80 years. On Thursday, September 24, 2015, Joan was asked about going to class at the Alex Technical College. She wrote “Absolutely I’m going to class. I feel PERFECT but have to struggle to stay awake.” Bethany Home in Alexandria became Joan’s home in March of 2006.

Joan was born on December 20, 1934, in Morris, Minnesota the daughter of Agnes (Sather) and Peter I. Erdahl. Joan was baptized on December 29, 1934, by Rev. Sverre Torgerson. Her Godparents were Aunt Mabel Sather and Uncle Richard Erdahl. Joan’s Christian Education was at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church at Donnelly, MN where she was confirmed by Rev. Alfred Sevig on August 28, 1949.

Joan’s education was at District #42, at Alberta School, and she graduated from Morris High School in 1953. Joan continued her education at Moorhead State College completing her BS degree. Joan taught third grade in Elbow Lake Elementary School from 1955-1958. In 1958, Joan taught at Whittier School in Austin, Minnesota and finished her teaching career in the Alexandria Public Schools teaching at Lincoln, Washington and Garfield Schools. Joan retired from teaching in 1991.

Joan married David Owen Fjoslien at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church on December 26, 1965 on her parents wedding anniversary. They purchased the Fjoslien family farm at Brandon that they operated until Dave’s death in December of 2004. Their home was then donated to a family through Habitat for Humanity to a family in need.

Joan was involved and gave generously to many organizations with her time and donations. Joan was involved with various churches, fishing organizations, food shelves, historical societies, local charities, musical organization, nursing homes, pet programs, schools, teaching opportunities and other organizations of interest to herself or those she knew.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Dave; infant brother, James Howard, parents: Agnes & Peter Erdahl.

Mrs. Fjoslien is survived by her sister-in-law. Lucille Fjoslien of San Francisco, CA; cousins: Russell (Eileen) Sather, Barbara (Bernie) Jahn, Carol Sather, Mick (Trish) Sather, Jim Sather, Barry Sather, Bonnie (Don) Sevre, Dorothy (Mike) Perry, Helen (John) Eidem, Betty Hilyard, Evelyn Rice, Bob Erdahl, Jean Gayle MacCallum, Donna Isabelle (Tracy) Black, Jim (Basha) MacCallum, Leland (Elva) Erdahl, Lois Mac McMillan and Bev Erdahl. Blessed be her memory.  

Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015, 1:00 PM at Bethany Home Chapel in Alexandria.  Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.