JoAnn Arlene Jenson Oppegard passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, at New Perspectives Senior Living in Faribault, Minnesota. She was born on December 20, 1933, the only child of Irma and Alfred Jenson, and grew up on the family's century-old farm.

From a young age, JoAnn took on great responsibility, managing the household as a teenager during her mother's illness. She later met Elmer Oppegard after his return from military service in World War II, when his niece, Arlene Duesbobik, encouraged him to ask her on a date to go dancing. They married on October 27, 1962, and began a lifelong partnership in farming and in life.

Together, JoAnn and Elmer ran the family farm for over five decades, working side by side in the fields and barn buildings. Milking cows and raising calves together for many years was a big part of their life. JoAnn became a skilled tractor driver and an equal partner in the hard work of daily farm life. Overcoming personal loss together, they built a life full of community, family, and joy—especially dancing, which they loved and shared often.

After Elmer's passing, JoAnn eventually moved to senior living, where she found comfort and connection among longtime friends. She continued to enjoy card games, polka music, and later developed a passion for intricate coloring, sharing her beautiful artwork with others.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband Elmer, as well as all of his siblings and their spouses. She is survived by her nephews Steven (Chris) Nystedt and Keven (Kathy) Nystedt, niece Janis (Nystedt) Stob, and Gary (Patti) Nystedt.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Gol Lutheran Church with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Gol Lutheran Cemetery in Kenyon. Memorials are preferred to Gol Church.