Joanne D. LaMere, age 76, of South Haven, formerly of Brooklyn Center, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, with family at her side.
A memorial service in celebration of Joanne’s life will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to the American Cancer Society in Joanne’s honor.
Joanne Delores Westrum was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 14, 1947, to Clifford and Delores (Borchert) Westrum. She grew up in south Minneapolis, graduating from Roosevelt High School. Joanne was an Accounts Payable Specialist, dedicating over 30 years of her life to JH Larson Electrical Company.
Joanne’s life was centered around love and family. She met her husband, Chuck, on a blind date and they have been inseparable ever since, celebrating 54 years of marriage. Together they raised their family in Brooklyn Center.
Joanne enjoyed swimming at the pool three days a week and all her “pool buddies.” Lake Sylvia was her love. She has been on the lake starting the summer after she was born. Her grandparents, parents, and brother all had homes or cabins on the lake. Joanne and Chuck bought a cabin on West Lake Sylvia in 1986 and moved to the lake full time in 2000. The fun of the Fourth of July boat parade to the special moments of Christmas on the lake filled her heart. She loved the loons and sunrises on the lake. She also enjoyed her many gardens filled with beautiful flowers. Before purchasing the cabin, Joanne and Chuck enjoyed camping with their two kids in their camper across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Joanne was spunky. She had a vibrant spirit, kind soul, and a heart full of laughter. With an early start to every day, her love for the lake, gardening, Netflix, reading, and mornings filled her days with joy. She was a superfan of her grandchildren’s sporting events, always cheering them on with enthusiasm.
Joanne’s presence brought light and positivity wherever she went, touching the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Joanne was loved, and she loved deeply. Joanne’s legacy of love and laughter will forever live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Charles LaMere; children, Jen (Mark) Stalpes of Eden Prairie, and Steve LaMere of Minneapolis; granddaughters, Madison Stalpes and Jordan Stalpes; brother, Jerry (Kathy) Westrum of Plymouth; nephew, Jesse Westrum; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Delores Westrum and brother, Bob Westrum.
The obituary, guestbook and video tribute are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.