Joanne Ohliger

Joanne Ohliger, age 78, of Granite Falls, Minnesota passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026, at her home surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be held on the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Joanne & Pat, Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Granite Falls Lutheran Church in Granite Falls, Minnesota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Joanne Cheryl Ohliger was born October 31, 1947, to Lyle and Avis (Wilson) Monson in Granite Falls, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Granite Falls. Joanne grew up and attended school in Granite Falls, graduating with the class of 1965.

Joanne went to beauty school in St. Cloud, Minnesota. On April 16, 1966, she married Patrick Ohliger at Granite Falls Lutheran Church and together they were blessed with two girls, Pamela and Tamara. For many years, Joanne was a hairdresser out of her home and then went to work at the hospital in housekeeping. In later years, she kept busy helping her daughter with her daycare. She was lovingly referred to as the “baby whisperer” because no matter the baby, she would always be able to get them to sleep.

Joanne loved her family, and time with each was so very precious. She enjoyed reading and loved her flowers. Each Spring began with a trip to her favorite green house to buy a truck load of flowers. Joanne loved the sun, spending countless hours soaking up the sunshine and taking her girls to the swimming pool so she could enjoy the warmth while her girls swam. Pat and Joanne enjoyed many summers at the lake with their entire family. The couple also enjoyed their yearly trips to Mexico. Joanne will be remembered for her kindness and compassion and above all, a wonderful mother and grandmother. Her faith was an anchor and through her illness she often would say, “prayer moves mountains.”

Joanne is survived by her husband, Pat; daughters, Pam (Mike “Perk”) Luepke, Tamara Berndt all of Granite Falls; grandchildren, Nicholas (Jordann) James, Jessica (Ethan) Weber, Kolton Luepke, Jaxson Berndt; great grandchildren, Keira, Aiden, Memphis, Ledger, Waiverly, Wilder, Wrockwell, Kaddisyn, Kaisley; siblings, Marilyn, John (Katie), Tommy (Norma), Patti; as well as countless relatives and friends.

Joanne is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Wayne (Lori), Gary (Elaine); sister-in-law, Marlene; nieces, Kara Monson, Jenny Vance, and Christine Neiman.