Joanne D. Tollefson

Joanne Darlene “Joan” Tollefson, age 88, of Baxter, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Silverado Memory Care Community in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Joan was born on January 18, 1937, in Fargo, North Dakota, the daughter of John Edward “Ed” and Helen (Barchinger) Bailey. She moved to Brainerd, Minnesota, at a young age and graduated from Brainerd High School in 1955.

On January 12, 1957, Joan married the love of her life, Donald Tollefson, in Brainerd. Together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, family, music, and devotion. They were blessed with four children who were the pride and joy of their lives. Don and Joan shared 58 wonderful years together before his passing in 2015.

Joan was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who dedicated her life to caring for her family. She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Brainerd and found great comfort in her faith. She had a gentle spirit and a kind heart, always putting others before herself. Joan loved tending to her garden, especially her flowers, and could often be found enjoying a quiet moment with a crossword puzzle and a cup of coffee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don; and her brother, John E. Bailey.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her children, Cynthia (and Steve) Predmore of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; Tracy (and Steve) Snipstead of Kalispell, Montana; Laura (and Robert) Hobart of Seattle, Washington; and Eric (and Luis) Tollefson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; nine grandchildren — Sarah (and Aaron) Malone, Benjamin Predmore, Joshua (and Heather) Predmore, Abigail (and Jacob) Dierking, Willow (and Adam) Jones, Mary (and Elliott) VanAllen, Amy (and Jesse) Moore, Eleanor Hobart, and Clara Hobart; thirteen great-grandchildren, along with many other relatives and dear friends.

Cremation has taken place, and private family services will be held at a later date. Interment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota, where she will rest beside Don.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Silverado Memory Care and Monarch Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

Memorial contributions may be made to Monarch Hospice in Joan’s memory and sent in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550