Joann Lunn, 85, of Bismarck, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on June 12, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. While our hearts are filled with tears, there is no doubt that all of heaven is rejoicing as she is reunited with the love of her life, Wayne, and the many family members who went before her.

Despite years of health challenges, Joann faced every battle with strength, determination, and grace. She was a fighter through and through. While we selfishly wished we could keep her with us longer, we are grateful that her journey is complete and that Jesus has carried her home. We were blessed to have her with us for as long as we did. To know her was to love her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Wednesday, June 24, at Ascension Catholic Church, 1825 S 3rd St, Bismarck, ND.

Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Tuesday, June 23, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E Century Ave, Bismarck. A rosary/ prayer service will begin at 7PM. 

Burial will be held at 1PM on Wednesday, June 24, at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan,ND. 

Joann was born on March 7, 1941, to Alexander and Regina (Schmidt) Dinius. She was the eighth of nine children and grew up in Bismarck alongside her siblings: John, Ed, George, Ralph, June, Gloria, Duane, and Diann. She attended Wachter Elementary School, Bismarck Junior High, and she graduated from Bismarck High School in 1960. Although she was raised and educated in Bismarck, she spent her 8th grade year in Center, ND with her brother’s wife and kids while he was away for work.

She was a hard worker from an early age, and waitressed throughout high school before attending Capital Commercial College. After college, she began her professional career at First National Bank in Bismarck.

Joann met the love of her life, Wayne Lunn, at Lake Isabel through mutual friends, Willie and Windy Clausnitzer. The two were married on January 12, 1973, beginning a special partnership. Soon after, they welcomed their daughter, Shanna, and later their son, Corey. Joann cherished being a wife and mother, creating a loving home and always putting her family first.

Though she held many jobs throughout her life, her favorite role was being a Grandma. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her grandsons and following their lives, accomplishments, and athletics.

After taking time away from work to raise her children, Joann became actively involved in the PTO at Dorothy Moses and in various capacities at Ascension Church. She also worked for Image Printing, Lady J’s Catering, and the Burleigh County Courthouse, where she dedicated nearly 30 years of service as a baliff.

Many throughout the tri-state area also knew Joann as one-half of the “Bag Lady” duo. Alongside her best friend of 53 years, Ione Good, she entertained audiences for 14 years, bringing laughter wherever they went.

Joann was spicy, funny, and never afraid to speak her mind. She had a gift for making people laugh and a way of making everyone feel welcome.

In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling, softball, golfing, playing cards, cooking, entertaining, and spending countless hours at the family cabins at Lake Isabel and Lake Lizzie, Minnesota. Pinochle and bridge were among her favorite card games, and she never turned down an opportunity for a good card game.

As her health declined, she found enjoyment in watching Fox News, Jeopardy!, Family Feud, and Netflix, and she would always welcome an opportunity for a game of cards with family or friends.

Joann was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her parents, Alexander and Regina Dinius; all of her siblings, John, Ed, George, June, Gloria, Ralph, Duane, and Diann; her parents-in-law, Fred Sr. and Selma Lunn; brothers- and sisters-in-law Gerald and Frankie Lunn, Kenny and Bev Lunn, and Fred and Joan Lunn.

She is survived by her daughter and son in-law, Shanna and Chad Scott of Bismarck; her son, Corey Lunn of Scottsdale, Arizona; and her beloved grandsons, Levi Munn of Oregon, Kyler Scott (Annika Ness), Weston Scott (Sammy Watson), and Garin Scott, all of Bismarck. She is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, treasured friends, and countless others whose lives were touched by her kindness, humor, and friendship.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Sanford Health, Sanford Dialysis, Dakota Eye Institute, CaringEdge, and Cornerstone Caregiving for the exceptional care and support they provided throughout Joann’s journey.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort knowing she is whole again, reunited with our dad, and that she is at peace in the presence of Jesus. Her strength, laughter, and love will live on in all who knew her.