Obituary of Joanne Joyce Bryant

Joanne Joyce Bryant, age 87 passed away peacefully Friday May 14, 2021 in hospice care at St. Luke’s Hospital, Duluth MN with her Daughter-in Law Lynn at her side. Joanne was a longtime resident of Proctor, MN. Joanne was born in Duluth to Lester and Dorothy Schuman July 11,1933. She was raised in West Duluth and attended St. James and Denfeld Schools. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Proctor.

Joanne was a worker, starting at age 9 in her Uncle's grocery followed by a long career in banking. She started work at Duluth National Bank and retired as head teller at Proctor Federal Credit Union. After retirement, she volunteered for several years as “Gramma Jo” for children in the Proctor ECFE program. As a teenager Joanne met John G. Bryant who became her one and only love. They married in Colorado Springs, Colorado on January 27, 1951, where John was stationed in the Army- Joanne was seventeen. Two weeks later John was deployed to the Korean war. Joanne returned to Duluth a war bride. They had a loving marriage for 54 years till John died in 2005.

In her free time, she enjoyed camping, cabin time, swimming, fishing, fish fries over a camp fire, gardening, reading, monthly card club, traveling, activities with friends and family. Joanne enjoyed baking and cooking for family and friends. She cared for and loved all the hunting dogs over the years and especially loved her cat, Oreo.

Joanne was predeceased by husband John, her parents and brother Robert Schuman, several in-laws and friends.

Joanne is survived by her son Greg Bryant and his wife Lynn, her daughter Laurie Paulson and her husband Bob, six grandchildren Chad Bryant (Jennifer) their children Hunter, Chad John. Stacy Sporre (Joshua) their children James, Jenna, Erikkson, Bennett. Katie Carpenter (Brian) their children Bryant, Kenadie, Marley. Ryan Paulson (Rebecca) their child Trent. Shannon Ervasti (Nate) their children Dominic, Avianna. Tanya”Lou”Nyre (Jon) their children Avery, Stella, Sloane. Sister-in-law Susie Bryant and Joanne’s best friend Shirley Kaczmark.

Joanne enjoyed and loved her family and friends, her parting words to folks were often “I love you with my whole heart and soul”. Jo loved life. Her memory is cherished by her loved ones. May she rest in peace.

A special thank you and gratitude to Dr. Rachael Gordon and caregivers at St Luke’s Hospital and Hospice, Keystone Bluffs and Bayshore Residence and Rehab for all you did for Joanne.

Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. on Monday, May 24th with visitation one hour prior at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN 55807.