John Morris Haanstad

John's life

John (or, Morry, as he was known by many of his friends and family) was a true Renaissance Man. He was a lover of music, avid reader, world traveler, early tech adopter, master joke teller, storied fisherman, go-to emcee, expert bridge player, sailor, golfer, practical joker, and tinkerer extraordinaire. His creativity was evidenced by his award winning, innovative photography. He was named Outstanding Young Man of South Dakota in 1968 by the Jaycees for his leadership and civic activities. He lent his bass voice to Lutheran church choirs wherever he lived. He was a loyal friend and neighbor who always lent a hand with any project, no matter how large the undertaking. He never missed his children’s sporting events and was often the only spectator in the visitor’s stands during away games. He loved hard and was loved back. He will be missed.

John Morris Haanstad was born in Minot, ND on June 13, 1939 to Rev. Engval and Christine Haanstad. As a P.K. (pastor’s kid), John lived a nomadic and somewhat rebellious childhood, spending time with his five younger siblings in St. Paul, MN, Cogswell, ND, Cando, ND, Arlington, SD, South San Francisco, CA, and Canton, SD. He met JoAnn, the love of his life, at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. They went on to have two children together and grow roots in Mobridge, SD, New Ulm, MN, and Albert Lea, MN. After a too-short career in music and photography, and a too-long career in insurance, John and JoAnn retired to Sun City, AZ – John’s favorite home of all. In 2017 they moved back to Minnesota and resided at Folkestone in Wayzata to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, JoAnn (nee Wangsness), son John (Sandy), daughter Kari Bilcer (Geoff), granddaughters Annicka and Elli, grandson Gavin, brother Martin (Evelyn), sisters Jeanette Severson (Allan) and Elizabeth Melton (Dick), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was welcomed into heaven by the open arms of his parents, his granddaughter Lena, his brother Paul and sister Dorcas, and his brother-in-law Mark Wangsness.

A special thank you to the staffs at Folkestone, English Rose, and Grace Hospice for their wonderful care of John.

memorial service

A memorial service is being planned for later this spring.