Joann Larson

******Please be aware that the family has changed the date of service due to weather - It will be Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 2 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo ******

Joann E. Larson, 79, formerly of Arthur, ND passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023 at the Halstad (MN) Living Center. 

Joann Emily Flatau was born Jan. 9, 1944 in Fargo, ND. She was soon adopted by Christ & Olga Flatau.  She graduated from Fargo Central High School and NY Hairstyling Academy in Fargo. Joann married Gary Iverson and they had two daughters. On July 21, 1968, she married William Larson. They lived in Fargo before settling in Arthur in 1974. She operated her own beauty shop for many years in Arthur. She also worked part time as a cook at the Northern Cass School after it opened. In 2004, they retired and moved to Scottsdale, AZ and later to Mesa, AZ. While in Arizona, she volunteered with the Salvation Army and Help Desk Services, distributing health care equipment. In 2022, Joann returned to North Dakota due to health struggles and entered the Halstad Living Center in August where she received wonderful care and was known to many as the “Queen.” 

For many years raising their family, they enjoyed camping and loved spending time with their grandchildren. In retirement years in Arizona, they enjoyed the warm weather and entertaining family and friends. Joann also loved to play BINGO, traveling, playing cards and was often the “entertainer.” Joann and Bill also loved their canine companions (Bingo & Shadow). 

She is survived by daughters, Laurie (Chuck) Heilman, Rugby, ND and Christi (Curt) Swanson, Arthur, ND; 10 grandchildren, Christopher (Jenny)  Heilman, Cody (Caroline) Heilman, Tyler (Moe) Swanson, Jared (Anne) Swanson, Zach (Destiny) Swanson, along with Ellie, Amy, Abby, Teegan and Manae Swanson; 9 great grandchildren, Jaxon, Kenley, Harper, Haven and Gunnar Heilman, Parker and Sophia Heilman, and Kasey and Ty; brother, Jerry (Lana) Flatau; and her recently connected biological birth family. 

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Christian and Olga Flatau; husband, Bill; and granddaughter, Amanda Swanson. 

Funeral:   Saturday, March 11, 2023, Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM in West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour prior to her service.

Interment:   Arthur (ND) Cemetery in the spring

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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