JoAnn Meyers, age 91, of Bagley, MN and formerly of Nevis, MN, passed away on Monday, December 29th, at Cornerstone Residence Senior Care in Bagley. Services are pending. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

JoAnn Marie Ploe Meyers was born October 8, 1934, in Seattle, WA to George William “Bill” and Alice Marie (Kaija) Ploe. The first grandchild on both sides of the family, “Pan” as she called herself, was energetic and involved in many social pursuits. She attended Webster Elementary School and was part of the graduating class of Ballard High School in 1952. She was a Campfire Girl, took piano lessons for over 10 years, sang in the Senior Octet in high school, and was very active in Rainbow Girls, serving in various offices, including Worthy Advisor.

JoAnn met Fred W. Meyers in the spring of 1956 at a USO Dance, and they were engaged before Christmas. They married in September 1957 and she became a Military wife. Their first assignment as newlyweds was SHAPE Headquarters, then located in Paris, France. With the building of the Berlin Wall, the one-year assignment became four. They lived many other places during their service: Ft. Ord, CA; Seattle, WA (while Fred was assigned to Vietnam and then to Korea); Ft. Meade, MD; Ft. Hood, TX; Cook Barracks, Göppingen, Germany; and finally, Ft. Sill, OK.

JoAnn held many jobs over the years. After working in the office of her parents Meat Market/Grocery Store during her high school years, she studied to be a secretary. She worked as an office secretary for a judge in Seattle until her marriage, then she became a homemaker for many years. She did childcare at home while her daughter was in grade school. She retired from her final job as Executive Secretary/Bookkeeper at Mid-America Lumber, in Lawton, OK, in 1999.

JoAnn had many interests outside of home and work. She and Fred learned to Square Dance while living in France and it became their passion. They danced all over the world for 40 years making many memories and lifelong friends! She was also very active in Girl Scouts, as a troop Leader and as Cadette Congress Advisor at the state council level. After Fred’s passing, she joined the Red Hats and was even Queen Mother to her group. She also like traveling with friends, attending local plays and symphonies, and as ever, reading and puttering in the garden.

In 2003, JoAnn met Marlin Winters. She was the church secretary and he was visiting family in Oklahoma. After a whirlwind courtship, she followed him back to Minnesota. They had a wonderful life together. They built a house in Nevis, MN, traveled around the country having adventures, and hosted many friends in their home with music shows, bible studies, and just plain fun. They relocated to Bagley, MN, in 2019.

JoAnn was diagnosed with short term memory loss in 2012. When it was determined that she needed more specialized care, she moved to Cornerstone Residence Senior Care in the spring of 2021. Her family is forever grateful for the truly marvelous care she received.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her husband, Fred W. Meyers; her parents George William “Bill” and Alice Marie (Kaija) Ploe; brothers Gary Willard and Richard William Ploe; and all of her Aunts and Uncles.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Annick and Chris Webb, Lawton, OK; her beloved life partner, Marlin Winters, Bagley, MN; and many Cousins, Neices, and Nephews around the world.