Audrey Joanne (Clark) Fisher passed away on May 17, 2024, at Missouri Slope, Bismarck, ND, leaving her family with 90 years of love and wonderful memories.
Funeral Services will be held at the Bismarck Funeral Home Friday, May 24, at 12:30pm. Family will be receiving guests one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery at 2:00pm.
Joanne was born on Nov. 11, 1933, in Carrington, ND. She married Mike Fisher on April 6, 1951, and lived in several places throughout her life: Devils Lake, ND, Bismarck, ND, Jamestown, ND, Glendive, MT, and then back to Bismarck for the past 39 years. She was an excellent homemaker with many talents. She would cook wonderful meals, especially for the holidays. In contrast to those amazing meals, she also would serve Hamburger Helper, powdered milk, liver, and the much-dreaded lima beans. “You can’t leave the table until you eat your beans!” She sewed much of her own and her children’s clothing and knitted countless sweaters and Christmas stockings. Every summer she tended a garden and canned much of what she grew resulting in what seemed like endless jars of pickles, beets, and tomatoes. She enjoyed camping trips with the family and after retirement, traveling, especially to visit her children and their families. She was proud of her Irish heritage and enjoyed attending family reunions. She was her grandchildren’s greatest cheerleader for whatever sport or activity they were in.
Joanne was member of the American Legion and AmVets Auxiliaries. She and sister-in-law Lucille accompanied Mike on numerous school flag-folding programs where they were known as the “Pencil Ladies,” handing out patriotic pencils to the students. She and Mike enjoyed watching their favorite football team, the NDSU Bison.
Joanne had many friends and a keen sense of humor. She always cared more about others and put their needs first. Her independent, fearless spirit and her strong will helped her through many hardships. She will be greatly missed by her family and all those who loved her.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Jeanette Clark; her brothers, James and Ted; her beloved husband of 71 years, Mike (2022); her son Michael (2011); and grandchildren, Jenny and Jacob.
She is survived by her children, Gloria Kautzman (Roger), Barb Knutson (Wayne), Doug (Lynn), and Rich (Tonja). Joanne was grandmother to Corey Kautzman (Teri), Jennifer Salo, Brad Knutson, Trista Fisher (Glenn), Aaron Fisher (Taylor), Jason Fisher (Amanda), and Madison Fisher; great grandmother to Nick Doble (Alivia), Ashlee Rock (Ryan), Jessica Salo, Michael Salo, Sonny Wakefield, Summer Wakefield, Cormac Hayes; and great-great grandmother to Harper Rock, Grant Rock, and Addison Jibson. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Kay Wentz and Lucille Holland and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 1825 46th St, Mandan, ND, 58554.