Joann McIntyre

March 25, 1933-March 16, 2025

Salinas, Calif.

Joann Ruth (Jorgenson) McIntyre passed away on March 16th at the age of 91, her family by her side. She was born on March 25, 1933, at the home of her parents Carl and Gladys (Nestegard) Jorgenson in Leeds Township, ND. She and her four younger brothers were raised on her parents’ farm. She attended Leeds public schools, graduating from high school in 1951. While in high school, Joann was an honor student, participated in choir as the pianist, in band as a clarinetist, and was a member of 4H and FHA. Joann attended Minot State University, where she received her Standard Teaching Certificate.

Joann married her high school sweetheart, Donald McIntyre, on June 28, 1953, celebrating their 71st wedding anniversary last year. She taught secondary grades in Fisher, MN, Grand Forks, ND, and Stockton, CA, providing the main source of income while Don completed medical school.

Joann was baptized at North Prairie Lutheran church and was confirmed and married at Leeds Lutheran church. Joann and Don made Rugby their home. Joann was chosen to be the mother of four wonderful children, who were the focus and love of her life. She once said that her favorite time of her life was when all four children were ages seven and younger.

Joann was a wonderful homemaker. She enjoyed baking, sewing, quilting, gardening and reading. She met daily for afternoon coffee with her friends, Betty, Esther, Irene, Ilene, Bonnie, Diane, Muriel, Wanda, Gloria, and Bonnie.

Joann taught Sunday School, served on the church council and was a member of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America at First Lutheran Church in Rugby. She was a very active member of the Lutheran churches where she lived throughout her life: Leeds, Grand Forks, Philadelphia, Stockton, Rochester, Rugby and Surprise.

Joann was a kind and loving wife and Mother and volunteer, always placing others above herself. She served as a wonderful example to all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family members describe Joann with the words: loving, steadfast, caramel cinnamon rolls, kind, cattails, food, lipstick, flowers, giving, nurturing, strong, vivacious, stoic, silent assassin, compassionate, patient, mother, Gratia Plena.

In 2020, Joann and Don moved from Surprise, AZ, to Salinas, CA. Joann was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Curtis and Ron, brother-in-law Jim and sisters-in-law Vivian, Marilyn and Stephanie.

She is survived by her husband Don, children Celeste, Jon (Karla), Brian (Megan), Carrie (Jimmy), brothers Jim and Jerry, sisters-in-law Jean, Mona, Faye, brother-in-law Larry, nine grandchildren, Karl, Joseph, Courtney, Cody, Tyler, Lillie, Cade, Siri and Gia, and 14 great-grandchildren, Fisher, Sullivan, Declan, Cali, Lili, Ava, Molly, Kenley, Clementine, Rhydian, Ava, Preston, Sophia and Madison.

The family held a small, private memorial service upon her death. Burial will be held in the future in Leeds, ND.

Memorials in Joann’s name may be sent to First Lutheran Church, 202 4th St., SE, Rugby, ND 59368 or Leeds Lutheran Church, PO Box 308, Leeds, ND 58346.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, April 5, 2025.