JoAnn Marie Johnson

JoAnn M. Johnson, 77, of Detroit Lakes, MN, and formerly of Breckenridge, MN, passed away surrounded by loving family on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

JoAnn was born August 19, 1946 to Henry and Jessie Mae (Burhans) Klein in Breckenridge, MN. She grew up and attended school in Breckenridge. She would help her mom on the family farm while growing up.

JoAnn married Charles H Johnson on April 23, 1965. Together they had one daughter, Kari, and two sons, Wade and Ryan. She married Dean Sharbono on January 3^rd, 2009.  

JoAnn was creative and loved doing various types of crafts that were very detailed and beautiful. This hobby would eventually become a business for her. She started Bears Etc. and would sell the teddy bears that she made from recycled fur. She made the bears from her own patterns and would personalize the bears. She called them Jo Bears.

She worked at Fargo Truck & Trailer from 1984 to 1988. She worked at the JCPenney Styling Salon from 1989 to 1994. JoAnn worked at the Sears store at West Acres Mall for over 13 years. She owned and operated the Sears Hometown Store in Detroit Lakes, MN from 2007 to 2019 when she retired.

JoAnn enjoyed spending time with her family, being at the lake and watching the Vikings. She was a great cook, and her family enjoyed the delicious food that she would make for them. She loved antiques and would decorate her home with the treasures she would find.

She is survived by her husband, Dean Sharbono, Detroit Lakes, MN; daughter, Kari (Scott) Heintzman, Fargo, ND; and son, Ryan Johnson, Detroit Lakes, MN; one granddaughter, Haley (Jacob) Westrick, Fargo, ND; one brother, Robert (Julie) Klein, West Fargo, ND.

She is preceded in death by her son, Wade Charles Johnson; her parents Henry and Jessie Mae (Burhans) Klein; brother, James D (Virginia) Klein.

A time for visitation will take place from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Joseph Vertin and Son's Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Colette Barton officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Breckenridge. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.