February  8, 1940 - May 20, 2025

Joanne Lorinna Van Hale, 85 of Minneapolis, MN passed away May 20th, 2025 at her home. Joanne was born on February 8, 1940 in Mahnomen, MN to Arne and Laura (Hagy) Valen. Joanne grew up on the family farm near Gary, MN. Joanne attended Gary High School and graduated in 1958. After High School she moved to Minneapolis and attended Business College.

Joanne married Gilbert (Gil) Van Hale on April 20, 1968 and the two were each other’s lifelong companions and friends. Joanne enjoyed playing cards with friends and family. She loved to plant and take care of flowers and enjoyed baking.  Joanne traveled with her mother to visit her brother David and his family in Germany in 1982.  They all traveled in Norway together too.  Joanne and Gil loved dogs and had them in their family for many years.

Joanne worked for many years at the Minneapolis Central Library until her retirement.

Joanne is survived by her twin sister Jeanne Hoppestad of Parker, Colorado, her brother David (Margaret) Valen of Jordan, Minnesota and her sister-in law Shirley Valen of Gary, Minnesota as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Laura and Arne, her husband Gilbert, her brother Arvid and her brother-in-law Lamont (Monty) Hoppestad.

A life cerebration will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Cremation Society of Minnesota (Edina) 7110 France Ave. S. Edina, MN 55435. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will take place on July 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Animal Humane Society or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.