Joan Snider Krahler

Joan Snider Krahler, 64, passed away March 22, 2025 at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck, N.D., with the evening’s Northern Lights guiding her home. She fought a courageous battle with early onset Alzheimer’s for several years. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Fort Yates, with Monsignor Chad Gion officiating. Burial will be held after the service at St. Peter’s Catholic cemetery.

A rosary service will be held at 9:30 a.m. preceding the service on the same day, March 29, also at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Fort Yates.

Joan was born February 18, 1961 to Michael and Marilyn (Condon) Snider in Bismarck, and raised in Fort Yates. She was the fourth of six children. She graduated from Fort Yates (Standing Rock) High School in 1979, and was a member of an outstanding high school basketball team.

After high school, Joan was employed by a seismograph company in Western North Dakota and Eastern Montana. She then continued her education. Joan received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Minot State University, and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Northern State University.

Joan married Tim Krahler on August 11, 1990. They continued to reside in rural Fort Yates. Together, they enjoyed sporting events and golf outings. They raised their daughter Laurie, and had many special moments with their grandchildren Kylen, Zavier, Kruz, Kodi, and Leah.

Joan worked as a licensed addiction counselor at Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chemical Prevention Program for 13 years. She became the first Native American female to become a licensed addiction counselor in the state of North Dakota. She then began a long career working as a therapist, girls’ volleyball and golf coach, and bus driver at Standing Rock Community High School. After just beginning her volleyball coaching career, she was named District 9 Coach of the Year.

After her many years of service to the Standing Rock community, Joan was honored with a Lakota name, “Teca Kigna Win,” which translates in English to “she takes care of young women.” Joan was very proud of her Native heritage.

Joan had a giving heart, and giving back to the community was important to her. This philosophy led her to open a restaurant with the mission of providing food options for the community and employment for others.

Joan was known for her big personality and humor, bringing joy and laughter to those around her. She loved the outdoors and sports. She was an avid cyclist, who would often ride 20 to 30 miles per day. She once completed a 100-mile CANDISC ride. Joan also enjoyed golfing and walking, with her beloved dogs often accompanying her on many walks.

One of her favorite times of year was during March Madness. So it seemed fitting that her final days included the NCAA basketball tournament playing in the background, including the games of her favorite teams, the Kentucky Wildcats and Kansas Jayhawks.

Joan is survived by her husband Tim; daughter, Laurie Lussier (Percy); grandchildren, Kylen, Zavier, Kruz, Kodi, and Leah, whom she dearly loved; siblings, Jon (Shirley), Lori Bitner (Brian), Gary (Vina), and Michelle (David); and her many nephews, nieces, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Marilyn; brother, Joseph; grandparents, Louis and Rose Snider, and Joseph and Thresa Condon.

A special recognition to her following friends and family members: all her cousins with whom she would love to laugh; her uncles Roger Condon and Pete Snider; her aunt Karen Snider; high school classmates Jackie Comeau, Susie Eaglestaff, Rhonda White and Roxy Hepper; and previous co-workers LeLewis Gipp, Carol (Fudge) Sanders, Duane Silk, Carol Pourier, Ray Jones, Wyman Archambault, Rhonda White, and Teresa Harrison.

The family extends its gratitude to the staff at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, Brother George Maufort, Monsignor Chad Gion, Anne Grey Cloud and Lisa Landin.