In Remembrance

Joanne J. (Schram) Woods, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Cloquet, Minnesota.

Joanne was born on September 8, 1932 to Max and Clara Schram in Duluth. She grew up in Duluth and graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1950. On May 24, 1952 she married Russell (Russ.) They were married for over 62 years, before Russ’s passing in 2015.

Joanne worked at Wahl’s Department Store for many years where she held a variety of positions including the Buyer for the Houseware’s Department. She was a member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Joanne’s cooking and baking skills were known far and wide. Her favorite past time was pouring over recipes in books and magazines looking for the next wonderful creation. Her homemade bread and pies were unsurpassed. She was also a very gifted singer and enjoyed all types of music.

Joanne and Russ resided in Piedmont Heights for over 50 years in a house that Russ built. They also owned a cabin on Kauppi Lake in Cotton, MN, where they entertained family and friends for decades. They traveled all over the United States, from Florida to Alaska, many times with family or friends during their retirement.

She is preceded in death by her husband and parents; son John in 2011; sisters Maxine Gerard, Patsy Holmgren and Darla Pease; and brothers, Jerome and Bill.

Joanne is survived by her two daughters Ann (Bob) Doucette and Carolyn all of Duluth; three grandchildren, Dan (Nicki Puff) Doucette and Phil Doucette Duluth, Megan (Jay) Callahan and their daughter Kenna of St. Ignatius, Montana. Her sister June Reponen of Mounds View, Minnesota, sister-in-law Mary (Bob) Gerlach of Baxter, Minnesota, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends; and her grand dog, Romeo. At the time of her passing, she was looking forward to the arrival of Baby Boy Callahan in March.

The family would like to extend an extra special “Thank You” to the staff at Diamond Willow for assisting and taking good care of Jo Jo for many years.

A visitation will be held Friday, October 30, 2020, from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M., under the heated tent at Doucettes, 3931 E Calvary Road, Duluth, MN. The family requests attendees where masks and socially distance. A private family service will be held in the near future at Forest Hill Cemetery.