Joan Parries

To join Joan's family for her Funeral Mass, please click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/djJ6tZC_0TM?feature=shared

Irene Joan Parries, 91, Moorhead, MN, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

Joan was born on August 9, 1932, in Ada, MN, to Fredrick and Edith (Bauer) Wilkens.  She grew up in Ada, graduating from Ada High School in 1950.

Moving to Moorhead was a significant milestone for Joan where she found employment at Harris Brothers and Overvold Motors. It was in this bustling town that she encountered the love of her life, Marlowe Parries. United in matrimony on January 15, 1955, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fargo, ND, their union would be blessed with six beautiful children. Together, Joan and Marlowe created a loving home where family values reigned supreme.

While raising their children in Moorhead, Joan juggled the many responsibilities that came with being a dedicated homemaker. Her culinary skills were unrivaled as she effortlessly whipped up delectable meals that brought smiles to her family's faces. Countless evenings were spent around a table adorned with laughter and love, which created lasting memories today.  

Beyond her role as a devoted mother and wife, Joan was a life-long member of Christian Mothers and was active in Catholic Daughters at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moorhead for many years, she channeled her energy into making hundreds of delightful popovers for various events. She enjoyed playing Bridge with friends and additional card games with family and indulged her curiosity through genealogy research. Joan's keen interest in these pastimes enriched her life and brought her great satisfaction.

Joan possessed an incredible storyteller's gift that always captivated her family. They held a front-row seat to the rich memories she wove through the years. Whether entertaining them with tales from her own childhood or sharing accounts of historical significance, Joan's stories brought history to life and instilled in her family a deep appreciation for the years she lived.  Live, laugh and love- these three simple words describe our mom, grandma and great-grandma.  May we honor her memory and embrace the same zest for life she lived.

Joan will be remembered and missed by children, Paul (Cindy) of Hopewell Junction, NY, Gregory (Beth) of St. Cloud, MN, Daniel (Kay) of Moorhead, MN, Vincent (Shelly) of West Fargo, ND, Teresa (Kevin) Ohnstad of Argusville, ND, Barbara (Julie Lovin) of Park Rapids, MN; her grandchildren, Jeffrey, Emily (Tyler Gilberts), David, Sara (fiancé Grant), Megan (fiancé Jack), Molly, Amanda, Nicholas, Emma, Anna, Jill (Danny Colosky), Henry Ohnstad (Krissy) and Andrew Ohnstad (Vicki); great-grandchildren, Tate, Hayden, Hunter, Colton and Clayton; along with several special nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Marlowe (2013); one brother, Donald Wilkens; one sister, Valoris Moore; and infant son, Lynn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 29, 2024, at 11 AM in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.  Visitation will be one hour prior.  Joan will be laid to rest next to her husband Marlowe at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service of Moorhead, MN.