JoAnn Carol Buchert

JoAnn Buchert, age 83, of Russell, Minnesota, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at her home. Memorial Services are 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Grace First Parish in Russell, Minnesota. Interment will be in the Russell Cemetery, followed by a reception back at the church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her celebration, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, also at the church.

JoAnn Carol Meyer was born on November 10, 1940, in St. James, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Harold and Hertha (Nessler) Meyer. JoAnn was baptized at her grandparents’ home as an infant and moved with her family at age 5 to Marshall, Minnesota, where she attended school. She was confirmed at age 14 in Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marshall. JoAnn graduated from Marshall High School with the class of 1959 and soon thereafter JoAnn met her future husband at the Blue Moon Ballroom in Marshall. Jerold “Jerry” Buchert proposed that summer and the couple was united in marriage on May 7, 1960, in Marshall. Two children were born to this union - a daughter, Cindy, and a son, Mark. In 1967 the family moved to Morrison, Colorado, and returned to Minnesota in 1969 where they settled in Russell. JoAnn and her family became members of Grace Lutheran Church and have called Russell home ever since.

At age 16 JoAnn was employed at Woolworth’s as a salesclerk and cashier and worked her way up to department head and evening supervisor while in Marshall. She then worked as a secretary at Grace Lutheran, then all three churches prior to them closing two down in Russell for three years and eventually became a secretary and receptionist for the Rodney Johnson Insurance Company. Over the years, JoAnn also dabbled at B.H. Electronics, Farmers Home administration, and in the engineering department with the City of Marshall before retiring in 1993. Missing work, JoAnn soon found a full-time job at the Marshall Independent Newspaper as secretary and clerk in the circulation department before retiring a second time in 2008. She was proud of her work ethic over 52 years at her various positions. JoAnn often expressed enjoyment working for the public and was able to make a difference through the years.

JoAnn was active in her church - serving as Sunday School teacher, Bible School coordinator, with the WELCA, Mary's Circle, church council, as church secretary, and the Altar Guild. She also showed her commitment to the Marshall community with her involvement in the Marshall Mrs. Jaycees, and then the community of Russell in the Russell Police reservists, Russell Lions Club, and the Russell American Legion Auxiliary. JoAnn's other enjoyments in life included spending time with her husband and children, watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren thrive, reading, Bible studies, traveling, drawing, decorating, crocheting watching the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, shopping, and visiting friends. Recently she seemed particularly devoted to her daily word puzzles, and flower gardening.

JoAnn Carol Buchert died peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Russell, Minnesota. She had reached the age of 83 years and 10 months. Blessed be her memory.

She is survived by her children, Cindy Buchert of Marshall, Mark Buchert of Russell; 2 grandchildren, Rosann Buchert (and Jeff) Jacksonville, FL, Carmen Buchert (and Brian) of Marshall; 2 great-grandchildren, Kai and Eddie; brother, Hal Meyer Jr. of Lynd; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Sr. & Hertha Meyer; husband, Jerry Buchert; infant brother, Gerald Meyer; and many other extended family members.