Joan Sanders

Minot

Joan Sanders, 94, Minot, ND, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Edgewood on 10th in Minot.

Joan Elaine Johnson was born June 17, 1932, the daughter of Conrad and Miriam (Dwello) Johnson, in Granville. She was raised and educated in Granville, graduating from high school in 1950. Following high school, she worked at the courthouse in Towner for a short time before working at the grocery store in Granville. Later she worked at the Moose Lodge in Minot.

Joan married Jerald Sanders on March 20, 1962, in Minot. They made their home on Jerry’s parents’ farm until they purchased their own farm west of Ruthville. They were blessed with one son, Alan.

Joan was a hard worker. She was a great cook. Midday she made lunch for the those in the field to enjoy and would haul grain in the afternoon. In the evening she would return to the house to prepare supper for everyone. She would also help bale the hay. She still found time to bake. She loved baking so there were always cakes or cookies around.

She and Jerry moved to Minot in 2020. She enjoyed playing Pinochle. She had a deep love for animals, especially her dogs and cats.

Her loving family includes: husband of 64 years, Jerry; son, Alan Sanders; step-children, Jarilyn (Mike) Rust, Susan (Mike) Knorr, Jerald “Pete” (Laura) Sanders, David Sanders; numerous grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Jean Grafsgaard; siblings, Audrey Kinzell, Marlene Seidman.

Funeral: Friday, July 10, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to The Souris Valley Animal Shelter.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, July 8, 2026.