Joann M. Binder

Joann M. Binder passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks at the age of 87.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish Center, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Parish Center on Friday beginning at 8:30 a.m. with Mass to follow.  The funeral Mass will be live-streamed at facebook.com/stjosephdvl. 

Joann Marie, daughter of Delbert and Esther (Bakken) Manley was born on November 4, 1934, in Langdon ND. Joann grew up on the family farm at rural Nekoma ND and received her education at Nekoma Public School, graduating from Nekoma High School. The family moved to Devils Lake ND and Joann went to work at the S&L Store as the bookkeeper.

Joann was united in marriage to Thomas Axtman on April 22, 1954, and they were the proud parents of Dale, Theresa, and Connie. They established their home in Devils Lake. Thomas died on September 5, 1966, at the young age of 36. 

Joann, now a single parent of 3, determined to provide for her family, continued her work at S&L. In 1972 she went to work at Hesch’s Furniture as salesperson and bookkeeper. She retired on October 7, 2011.

Joann felt blessed to again find someone to share her life and married Eugene Binder on August 22, 1980. They built a new home together in Devils Lake and enjoyed many fishing and camping trips together and spending more time traveling. Gene died on January 24, 1984.

Joann was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a trust-worthy, dependable, meticulous employee who loved her job. She was so thankful for all the help her mother and family provided to her as a young widow.

In retirement, Joann volunteered at Altru Clinic and treasured the many holidays, special family events at Golden Lake and just having that extra time to spend with her grandchildren. In 2015 she moved to Grand Forks to be closer to family.

Joann’s faith, her strength and determination sustained her through all the trials and tribulations of life. She will be forever loved, forever missed and forever in our hearts.

Joann’s loving family include her children and their spouses Dale and Lori Axtman, Urbandale IA, Theresa and Rick Laframboise, Grand Forks and Connie and Randy Swatlowski also of Grand Forks; five grandchildren and great grandson Devin (Elizabeth) Axtman and their son Liam Axtman, Ankeny IA and Ethan (Tiffany) Axtman, Bemidji MN: Kara Laframboise, Grand Forks: Ryan Swatlowski, Grand Forks and Cali (Jeremy) Stariwat, Anchorage AK; sister-in-law Judy Manley, Grand Forks ND; several nieces, nephews and their families also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Thomas Axtman and Eugene Binder and brother Gerald Manley.