In Remembrance

Joanne Lorainne (Hagberg) Halverson passed away quietly on Dec. 17th after experiencing a sudden stroke on Dec 14th while joyfully selling Christmas cookies. In her final moments Joanne was at home, surrounded by her loving family and adoring pets. 

Joanne was born Sept 10th, 1953 in Duluth, MN to Chalmer and Genevive (Romano) Hagberg. Joanne was a true West Duluth gal attending Irving Elementary, West Junior High, and Denfeld High School, Class of 1971. 

She raised 3 loyal sons by working hard at multiple jobs and loving them beyond generously. 

Her career was spent enthusiastically serving others, while simultaneously making friends and genuinely caring for everyone she met. She devoted her last 40 years of working outside the home to The Blackwoods Family whom she was exceedingly proud of and devoted to. 

Joanne was always a teenager at heart and remained a dedicated fan girl to all her favorite musicians, especially boy bands! She attended several concerts every year and was always planning her next road trip with her girlfriends. 

Joanne (Gramma Jo) flourished as a grandmother and poured herself into sharing moments and concocting adventures with her grandchildren. They were quite literally her pride and joy. If you met her, you have heard stories about them. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Chalmer and Genevive Hagberg, sister Susan Marie (Hagberg) Cohen, brother Chalmer Hagberg, and sister-in-law Penny Hagberg. 

She is survived by her brother Chuck Hagberg; her children Steve Olson (Amber Hardwig), Cris Olson (Akiko Mills), Mark Olson, and their father Sheldon Olson; her husband of 25 years Gordon Halverson; her grandchildren Paige Allen, Wesley Whalen, Simon & Nash Olson, Canyon Scheel, Ellie Kuchar, Charlie, Lani & Ryan Hardwig; her niece Tiffany Garcia, nephews Kiel (Lindsey) & Pat Hagberg, great-nephew Vincent Garcia and great-nieces Vanessa Garcia and Reese Hagberg. She leaves behind countless ‘adopted’ children & grandchildren, friends, and pets, who she’d fear will now wither away without her abundant treats. 

There will be a memorial to celebrate the well lived life of Joanne @ Greysolon Ballroom when it is safe to gather.