Joanne Sjol, 91, of East Grand Forks, MN died Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at the Valley Senior Living Center, Grand Forks, ND.

Joyce Joanne Jacobson was born May 26, 1930, to Fred and "Marie" (Bagne) Jacobson in Grand Forks, ND. The family lived in rural East Grand Forks where Joanne attended country school and worked on the farm. After graduating from EGF Central High School, she worked as a bookkeeper until she married Gene Sjol in 1951. They had three children and after several moves due to Gene's railroad career, they returned to settle in rural East Grand Forks.

The simplest pleasures brought Joanne joy – a cup of coffee with a friend, a beautiful sunrise or sunset, a shared meal, long walks and, most of all, spending quality time with those she loved, especially the ones who called her Grandma Jo.

Joanne was always ready to lend a helping hand, and even in her 80s, had a work ethic that would rival anyone's. Her favorite job was driving sugar beet truck during harvest, which she did for 18 years. She was also a woman of faith and could be counted on to generously give of her time and talents at church and in the community. Making lefse and spritz were her specialties.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gene, brother Arlin "Jake" Jacobson, sister Gayle (Alton) Kaste, an infant brother, niece Lyn Kaste Gould, and nephews Miles Kaste and Robin Kaste.

Joanne is survived by children, Gary (Janet) Sjol of East Grand Forks, Krista Sjol Kollin of Lakewood, WA, and Eric (Meri) Sjol of Grand Forks, ND; by grandchildren, Brett (Sarah) Kollin, Nate (Sara) Sjol, Anna Sjol, Sarah Sjol, Leah Kollin, and Eric Sjol, Jr.; by great-grandchildren, Maria Kollin, Lane Kollin and Jolene Sadler; and by sister-in-law Lorna Jacobson; and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to New Hope Lutheran Church or the Alvarado Volunteer Fire Department.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 14, 2022 at New Hope Lutheran Church, Alvarado, MN.

INURNMENT: South Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, East Grand Forks, MN when the weather allows.