JoAnn Lola Emerson, 85, of Perham, Minnesota, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died Thursday, June 25, 2015, in the Hadley House, Perham, under the care of Red River Valley Hospice.  

JoAnn was born March 10, 1930, the daughter of Joseph and Marion (Smart) Valsvik in Rochester, Minnesota. She graduated high school in 1947 and later that year was united in marriage to Edgar Allen Emerson. JoAnn spent most of her life in business. She was the assistant manager of nine dairy stores located in Minnesota. JoAnn owned and operated multiple Queen Fashions stores. She was the business manager for Miss Minnesota and an active member of Degree of Honor helping many local charities.

Surviving JoAnn is her son, Rick (Jane) Emerson; her daughter, Melissa (Butch) Burns; her grandchildren: Mary (Tom) Blohm, Matthew (Stacy) Johansen, Michah (Kate) Johansen, Joseph Burns and Emerson Burns; and her 10 great-grandchildren.

Preceding JoAnn in death were her parents; and her step-brother, Don Valsvik.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, beginning at 10 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham. Schoeneberger Funeral Home – Perham, Minnesota, is in charge of arrangements. For more, visit: www.schoenebergerfuneralhome.com.