Joan Johnson

In the early morning of March 25th, 2026, Joan Johnson was called home to serve the Lord in Heaven, surrounded by her friends and family. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we understand that she could not endure the pain any longer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Ascension Catholic Church, Bismarck, ND.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31st, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home, with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7:00 PM.

Joan (Tremblay) Johnson was born in Tisdale, SK, Canada on December 8th, 1961; on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was born to Lawrence & Nora Marie (Casavant) Tremblay. She was raised as the youngest of 8 siblings. Joan told stories of living in rural Canada and picking wild berries and apples to bring home for her mother to make jelly and pies. She said she often ate as many berries as she brought home.

In 1969 Joan’s father, Lawrence, passed away. In 1970, her mom, Nora, married Roland Mongeon from Rolette, ND. Joan and her mother then migrated to the United States and moved onto the family farm just south of Dunseith, ND. She graduated from Dunseith High School in 1979.

After graduation Joan moved to Grand Forks where she met Steve Johnson. They were married on May 17th, 1980. In September of that year, they welcomed their son into the world. They moved to Dickinson, ND in early 1981. When the oil boom subsided they moved to Huntington Beach, California.

In 1987 Joan and her son moved back to Dickinson, ND. In 1993, Joan graduated Summa Cumme Laude from DSU with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Kindergarten teaching certificate.

After Joan’s son graduated high school, she was given an opportunity to help take care of her aging parents in her hometown of Dunseith. Being a natural caregiver and amazing provider she jumped at the chance to allow for her parents to stay in their home until their passing. After being a caregiver to them for 10+ years, she retired with their passing in 2013.

Joan became a grandmother in 2012 and after her retirement, she chose to settle down in Bismarck, ND to be close to her son and his family. She never missed a game or event for her grandchildren and showed up to cheer loudly, often with plastic hand clappers in tow.

She loved her family, friends, and traveling; and focused on enjoying them in her retirement. She fought two bouts with cancer and won! She was very tenacious and a great role model of strength. She will be immensely missed.

She will be forever remembered by her son, Joshua Steven Johnson, his wife, Melissa, and their children, Nora and Owen. Her brother Maurice, of Edmonton, AB and many close friends as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; Roland; her sister Jeanne; and her brothers, Marcel, Edgar, Victor, George, and Joseph.

Sympathy cards can be sent to 306 Brandenburg Loop Bismarck, ND 58504.