Joan “Joni” Jones, a beloved homemaker known for her outspoken nature and sharp sense of humor, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at Oakland Park Nursing Home in Thief River Falls. Joni was born on May 11, 1940, to Arlos and Margaret (O’Hara) Amundson.
On December 1, 1956, Joni was united in marriage to Jerold Wahlbeck. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, Kim and Becky. Later, on May 2, 1969, Joni married L.L. (Jonesy) Jones, with whom she had a son, Dane. Jonesy brought two sons into the family, Larry and Randy.
Joni was well-known for her vibrant personality; she was very outspoken and possessed a humor that could brighten any room. Her interests included bingo and trips to the casino, activities she enjoyed with enthusiasm and whose social nature suited her easygoing and engaging character.
The highlight of her week was her “coffee crowd” which included her daughter, Becky (Mike), granddog, Piper Jo, niece Cheryl (Brian) and nephew Jim (Joyce).
She is survived by her children Larry (Karen) Jones, Kim (Ron) Kalinoski, Becky (Mike) Kaushagen, and Dane (Jenny) Jones. She was a grandmother to Cheyenne, Zach, Ryan, Ben, Layne (Jason), Daniel (Britney Nelson), Nick (Whitney Bengston), Jake, Jenna (Matthew), and Rylie (Brody), and a great-grandmother to Emily (Alicia), Hayley, Macy, Veronica, Zatera, and Zelda. Joni also leaves behind her sister Sharon (Bill) Tibbetts, brother Roger (Carol) Amundson, sister-in-law Chris Broeker, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom hold her memory dear including her granddog, Piper Jo.
Joan was predeceased by her husband; her infant daughter Peggy Lynn; son Randy and his wife, Sandy Jones; her parents and step-father, Ted Hegtvedt; brother Mark Hegtvedt and his son, Chad; granddaughter Brandy Lee Brown; and grandson Benjamin John Weigelt.
A service will be held at a later date.
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