Joanne M. Pedersen died Dec. 17, 2022. She grew up in St. Peter, enjoying horseback riding, swimming competitions and canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Jo attended Gustavus Adolphus College and graduated from the U of Minnesota in nursing. She had many adventures with her young family while serving in Southeast Asia as a missionary’s wife. Returning to Minnesota in 1970, Jo earned a master’s degree and served as a supervisor for Ramsey County Public Health for 25 years, where she met and married Connie.
Jo was a fierce advocate for anyone in need, volunteering into her 70s for the Red Cross and Healthcare for the Homeless.
She was preceded in death by parents Gertrude and Goodwin Olmanson and siblings Donald, Vern and Kristi. She is survived by her wife Connie Comford; children, Karen (Jeff) Travis, Kai (Kim) Pedersen and Jon (Ginger) Pedersen; six grandchildren; and “adopted” children, Chrissy, Rick, Mirelle and Jenny.
A celebration of Jo’s life will take place on May 6 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church.
