After 86 years of happy, healthy, and rewarding days, JoAnn Marie Erickson passed away on January 19, 2026. She was born in Fargo, North Dakota, to Samuel and Josephine (Lynnes) Vangsness on November 11, 1939. She was raised on their family ranch/farm, where her formal education took place in a one-room rural school with only one classmate. Early learning and leadership opportunities were provided by 4-H and other community groups. The West Prairie Lutheran Church was the center of worship, education, fellowship, and friendship and provided a chance for leadership and service, as well an opportunity for teaching Sunday School. She attended Oak Grove Lutheran High School, where she enjoyed membership in several groups, especially being a member of the debate team.
JoAnn earned an undergraduate degree from Valley City State College and a Master of Education Degree from the University of North Dakota. She had a rewarding career, sharing her enthusiasm for learning, particularly in the fields of history, geography, and current events with middle school students.
JoAnn married Dale O. Erickson in 1967 and continued living in North Dakota for one year until they began what would be several moves related to Dale’s career, but offering the family wonderful new experiences and opportunities for learning.
In addition to teaching in the classroom, JoAnn was a docent in several museums as well as a Sunday School and vacation Bible school teacher. She loved sewing, gardening, reading, and traveling in addition to baking, cooking and entertaining. Her home and her family always came first as she planned her activities. She was a Moore County Master Gardener Volunteer Associate for nearly twenty years.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Dale, of nearly 60 years, and children, Paul, Southern Pines, NC, and Linda Evans (James) and grandchildren Brady, Camden, and Kaitlyn, Phoenix, AZ. She is cherished by her two brothers, Curtis (Elaine), Fargo, ND (deceased), and Senster (Janet), Kindred, ND, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service of JoAnn’s life will be held at the Southern Pines Emmanuel Episcopal Church on February 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, JoAnn asks that any memorial gifts be directed to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina, will be handling the funeral arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.BolesFuneralHome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern pines.
