Joann Mckay

JoAnn McKay, 76, of Fargo, ND, passed away Monday, September 12, 2011, in Bethany Homes, Fargo, ND, from pulmonary fibrosis. JoAnn Nelson was born November 29, 1934, at Deaconess Hospital in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Johan A. and Edna (Johnston) Nelson of Lakota, North Dakota. She lived there the first three grades of school then moved with her family to Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1941. JoAnn attended Belmont Grade School and Central High School graduating in 1952. She also attended the University of North Dakota for one year. JoAnn worked for the telephone company for a few years and the in the credit office of Deaconess Hospital. June 30, 1956, JoAnn married her next door neighbor, G. James “Jim” McKay. They remained in Grand Forks until 1959 when they moved to Gilly, North Dakota. Jim took over the International Harvester Dealership and Hardware at the age of 26. They remained there until 1983 when they retired and moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota. They lived in Grand Forks until 1992 when they decided to move “south” to Fargo. JoAnn and Jim loved to travel and were involved in politics. JoAnn is survived by her husband, Jim, Fargo, ND; two children, Julie (Wayne) Ganskop, Rochester, MN; Jeff (Michelle) McKay, Fargo, ND; five grandchildren, Kailey and Hannah Ganskop, Rochester, MN; Jessica and twins Ian and Emily McKay, Fargo, ND; a sister, Lorraine (Quentin) Paulson, Eau Claire, WI; and a nephew, Dr. Steven (Lorraine) Paulson, Chippewa Falls, WI. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the charity of your choice. Memorial Service: Friday, September 16, 2011, at 10:00 AM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at Hanson-Runsvold. Inurnment: A private family graveside service will be held in Grand Forks, North Dakota.