Joanne Christine DeRosier

Joanne C. DeRosier, 90, of Duluth, died Monday, February 15, 2021 of natural causes at St. Luke’s Hospital. She was born in Duluth, MN on September 5, 1930, the daughter of Walter and Edna Forbort.

Joanne was a 1948 graduate of Duluth Central High School. She married the love of her life, Arthur DeRosier, on December 2, 1950. They met during the summer of 1950 at the Duluth Curling Club while roller skating, and decided to marry in December. They loved dancing, especially polka dancing. Upon marriage and having children, her choice in life was to be a homemaker and care for her children. She enjoyed many hobbies including crafting, needlepoint, gardening, and was an excellent bowler. She bowled in many leagues and worked as a scorekeeper at many city and state bowling tournaments. In retirement, Joanne and Art enjoyed traveling the U.S., crafting together, and spending time at their cabin on Sturgeon Lake. In her later years, which were limited due to health issues, she enjoyed working all kinds of puzzles, watching game shows, listening to KDAL Newstalk and Polka Party on Saturday mornings. Joanne was an avid sports fan, especially the Minnesota Twins and most recently, the Winnipeg Jets. She loved visits from her grandchildren, and enjoyed watching them learn and grow. During COVID-19, she enjoyed facetime visits with them.

Joanne was preceded in death by her loving husband, Arthur; and her three siblings, Dick Forbort, Janice Forbort, and Nancy (Ken) Peterson.

Joanne is survived by three children, son, Dean (Nancy) DeRosier of Duluth; daughters, Sheryl (Bob) Tokarczyk of Mt. Iron, MN; Kaylynn (Paul) Zwak of Duluth, MN; grandchildren, Sarah, Chad, Kevin, Paul, Sondra, Adam, Darrin and Adara; and 11 (plus one on the way!) great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Barbara Forbort; and many nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in her memory to help fund their online services even after Covid, for those who are homebound.

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