Joan Elaine Hess

Joan Elaine Hess, 73, was born in Chicago on May 18, 1944. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, December 17, 2017. Her parents were John & Alice Monsen of Lander, and her sister is Margaret Monsen-Johlic of Lander.

Joanie graduated from Mather High School in 1962 and was very active in Symphony Choir, The Madrigal Choir, the Girls' Athletic Association (as president), and intramural volleyball and softball.

She earned a scholarship and was graduated in 1967 from Illinois State University with honors; with degrees in Business and Agriculture.She was also the very first female to have been accepted into, and received a degree, in Agriculture from Illinois State; as she had childhood hopes of being a cattle rancher.

Her fond recollections from that time includedmemories of classes with a professor also known as 'Long Arm Sam, Your Artificial Insemination Man.

She returned to Chicago and worked for a while as an architectural assistant (no ranches in the city) before moving to give Minnesota a try as a dental assistant.

She moved to Lander to be with her parents in 1978 (who had moved there in 1966) and married Bill Hess. In 1980 they produced two handsome and amazing twin sons - David & Michael.

Joanie was an amazing mom. She worked for the the school district and then she ran the family-owned business after her husband Bill passed away in 1988. She always tried to do her best, but incurred many health issues over the years. She was well cared for and much loved by her family.

Joanie was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and John. She is survived by her sister, Margaret and husband Edward; sons, Michael and wife Erin, David and wife Channin; and 4 grandchildren, Jayden, Vaughn, Quinn, and Rayne.

Per Joanie's wishes there will be no services. Her family would like to thank Showboat Retirement Center, Frontier Home Health and Hospice, and Morning Star Care Center, for their concern and fine care along the way.