Joan C. Scheel

Joan Scheel, age 81 of Fargo, ND passed away peacefully at home on Thursday September 18, 2014 surrounded by her family.

A prayer service for Joan will be held from 4-6 pm Sunday September 21, 2014 at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral home. A memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Monday September 22, 2014 at First Congregational UCC in Fargo.

Joan Cornell was born in Mobridge, SD to Homer and Opal (Allinson) Cornell on May 20, 1933. While growing up, Joan and her family lived in multiple locations as her father was a highway engineer. Eventually Joan’s family settled in Bismarck and Joan graduated from Bismarck High School. She attended Jamestown College and graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

While attending Hamline, Joan went to a dance, and from across the dance floor, Bob Scheel noticed Joan, and it was love at first sight. They were married July 30, 1954 in Bismarck.

Joan worked for Ramsey County in St. Paul, MN, as a social worker. Bob joined the Marines and became a naval aviator. Joan and Bob moved to Pensacola FL, Kingsville, TX, and then to Kaneohe, HI. Joan continued her work as a social worker while they were stationed in Hawaii.
After Bob’s discharge from the Marines, Joan and Bob embarked on a four month trip to Europe. Upon their return, Bob started his career with Scheels and Joan started her favorite career which was being at home raising their children.

They retired to Sonoma Valley, CA. During their time in California, they enjoyed travelling, spending time with friends and returning to Pelican Lake during the summer months.
Joan loved spending time with family and friends, reading, gardening, and playing tennis and bridge. Joan was a loving grandmother and a strong role model to all of her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her family and many close friends.

Joan is survived by her husband Bob, Fargo; two daughters and their families: Janet Stellpflug-Gunderson (Tom) Minneapolis, MN, (Benjamin Stellpflug, Eric Stellpflug and Olivia Gunderson) and Kristen Scheel (Scott Askerooth) Fargo, ND, (Robert, Elizabeth and Davis Geske), and many nieces, nephews and other family members who Joan loved deeply.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Allin Cornell.
Memorials may be directed to Roger Maris Cancer Center Fargo, ND or the HHT Foundation (Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia) Salt Lake City, UT.