Joanne Bale

Joanne Bale went to meet her Lord on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Bethany on University, Fargo, ND.

 Joanne Beverly Knackendoffel was born on April 1, 1936, in Fergus Falls, MN, to George and Cora (Wagner) Knackendoffel. Joanne graduated from Fergus Falls High School. She married Gregg H. Bale on August 31, 1957, in Fergus Falls and they lived in Jamestown, ND, until they moved to Fargo in 1998.

During her career, Joanne worked at Otter Tail Power, the Internal Revenue Service, MSUM, Human Services Center, Tempo, New York Life, Seekins Booterie, and Association for Retarded Citizens. 

Joanne was very artistic making beautiful cross stitch pieces and paintings. She was a strong supporter of the police and enjoyed friendship with many officers. 

Dr Don Bartlette, Native American Christian, Storyteller & Elder-Turtle Mt. Reservation tribe of Ojibwa Indians wrote: “Joanne Bale was a lifelong friend going back to Camp Grassick in ND, 1957, where we met when I worked there. We remained friends and got together many times when I was in Fargo. Her involvement with the local police was a proud ministry for Joanne and she talked often of that. When she met my wife in Hawley MN, they both received handmade quilts made by Pastor Tom's Lutheran Churches. I shall miss our frequent phone conversations and sharing our love for the Lord. May our Heavenly Father grant her eternal peace.”

Above all else, Joanne was a fierce advocate for her daughters, Barb and Lynn. Since 1965, when Barb was born, Joanne fought for mentally handicapped citizens' rights both locally and statewide. Joanne loved her daughters and enjoyed spending time with them at McDonalds, the mall, and many other events.

Joanne was a loving sister to Jannette Knackendoffel and will be greatly missed by her.

Joanne is survived by her daughters Barb and Lynn, both Fargo; sister, Jannette Knackendoffel, Fergus Falls; sister-in-law, Mavis Bale, Fargo; special friend, Duane Moe, Fargo; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gregg, and her parents.

Blessed be the memory of Joanne Bale.

Visitation for Joanne will be Friday, December 29, 2023, from 5 – 7 PM, at Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead.  Her funeral will be Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 11 AM, at Faith United Methodist Church, Fargo.

Her funeral will be livestreamed on the church website: https://fargofaithumc.org/livestream/