Joanne Larson-Melling
Joanne Larson-Melling, 93, of Fort Dodge, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. Services will be 10:30 AM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Tompkins Celebration Center, Friendship Haven. Burial will be in Blossom Hill Cemetery near Badger. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until time of services on Wednesday at the Tompkins Celebration Center, Friendship Haven. The Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.
Joanne Jane Sanford, the daughter of Frank and Jessie (Satter) Sanford, was born July 27, 1931, on the farm near LuVerne, Iowa. She graduated from LuVerne High School in 1949 where she played guard on LuVerne’s 6-on-6 girls basketball team.
On October 14, 1950, Joanne was united in marriage to Norman Larson. After their marriage the couple made Badger their home. Joanne worked as a bookkeeper for the Telephone Company of Badger for many years. Norm passed away on September 28, 1991. Joanne met Marval Melling, and they married on May 15, 1998. After their marriage Marv and Joanne made their home in Story City before moving to Fort Dodge. Marv died March 3, 2013, and in 2016 Joanne moved to Friendship Haven.
Joanne enjoyed crocheting and baking. She valued her faith and family and was a prayer warrior. She was an active church member of Hauge Lutheran Church in Goldfield, where she was the Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Currently Joanne is a member of CrossWay Church in Fort Dodge.
She is survived by her four children, Jerry Larson (Barb Oder) of Ankeny, Curt (Kim) Larson of Fort Dodge, Annette (Paul) Pulford of Mason City, and Alan (Kelly) Larson of Fort Dodge; two stepchildren, Marilyn Gallery and Ben (Susan) Melling; nine grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husbands, Norman Larson and Marv Melling; her eight siblings, Francis, Wayne, Bob, Genevieve McGowan, Verda Trauger, Donna Hovick, Jolene Wilhelm, and Ramona Caudle.
Memorials may be left to CrossWay Church or to International Messengers.