Joann M. McDonald

Joann M. McDonald, 84, Dilworth, MN, died Monday, June 3, 2024, in her residence and under care of Hospice.  

Joann Mary Bourbanis was born in Walhalla, ND April 9, 1940, to Jerome and Lillian (Gustafson) Bourbanis.  The oldest of 11 children, Joann fondly recalled always holding a baby sibling throughout her childhood and the family gatherings, which included lots of family time and dances throughout the communities of Walhalla, Langdon and Mountain, ND area. She graduated from Walhalla High School in 1958.  One week after graduation, Joann was united in marriage to Joseph Duane McDonald in St. Boniface Catholic Church in Walhalla.  

Joann and Joseph moved to Kansas City, KS, while Joseph was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base.  Following Joseph’s honorable discharge, they lived in Breckenridge, MN and Fergus Falls, MN before settling in Moorhead, MN. Over the years, Joann worked in several retail and factory jobs, ultimately retiring from American Crystal Sugar in the early 2000’s.

Joann loved spending time with her grandchildren, doing embroidery, attending WeFest and traveling.  She enjoyed the friendship she shared with her sisters and their “sister trips” were always near and dear to her.

Joann will be remembered by her children: Sherry (James) Jacobs of Pelican Rapids, Penny West of Dilworth, Curtis (Krystal) McDonald of West Fargo, and Bruce (Sheila) McDonald of Dilworth; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. She will also be remembered by her siblings, Lloyd “Butch” (Karen) Bourbanis, Shirley “Honey” Gudmundson, Gary (Linda) Bourbanis, Gerald “CoCo” (Faye) Bourbanis, Ruth (Les) Laidlaw, Barbara (Jeff) Dalzell , and Glenn “Sonny” Bourbanis.

She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph; her parents; siblings, Lila Cook, Gloria “Corky” (Marvin) Rostvet, infant brother Glenn Bourbanis, and Kathy Hell; and two infant grandchildren.

A Memorial Service for Joann will be held Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 2pm in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service of Moorhead, MN.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Moorhead.