Joan Christene Weigum
A Life Well Lived
Joan Christene (Hartle) Weigum
Sunrise: April 18, 1935, Sunset: March 25, 2025
It is with profound love and sorrow that we announce the last sunset of our beloved mother, Joan Christene (Hartle) Weigum, aged 89, who peacefully passed away on March 25, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. Her life, filled with love, adventure, and selflessness, leaves a lasting legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion to those she cherished.
Joan’s sunrise was on April 18, 1935, in Marshfield, WI, born the only child of Patience Pearl (Forsythe) Hartle and Ervine “Earl” Hartle. She grew up, from birth to 7th grade, in the small town of Rozellville, WI, surrounded by her paternal relatives, where she developed a lifelong love for nature, family, and community. Joan would reminisce about the special memories from her early years, particularly her time spent on her grandparents’ farm, a place where she learned the simple joys of rural life. She also held close to her the special bond with family and friends of this small town. In wintertime, Joan and her friends would use the hill of the main road in Rozellville to slide down in their sleds and then head over to the local café, where hot chocolate was always waiting for them. In these early years, she enjoyed the outdoors, either at her grandparents’ farm or in town, especially the woods across the street from her house, where, in summertime, she could explore and collect flowers and sweet raspberries. Her family, particularly her grandparents, held a special place in her heart that formed the roots of her deep connection to home and family.
In the summer, after completing 7th grade, Joan and her parents moved to her maternal grandmother’s land in Door County, MT. The family spent the summer with Joan’s grandmother while her parents looked for work and a place to live. That summer allowed Joan to cherish her time with her grandmother, a passionate gardener and an artist. Joan hung a painting of her grandmother’s cabin, created by her grandmother herself, in her bedroom as a treasured reminder of their special bond. These homemade items kept Joan close to the wonderful memories she had of loving grandparents. Her parents eventually bought a café in Sidney, MT, and Joan spent many days after school finishing homework in the booth and working in the café alongside her parents. The head cook always saved Joan a warm chocolate cookie topped with a walnut for an after-school snack. Joan loved the café's atmosphere, where she honed her work ethic and mastered her listening and conversation skills.
Joan completed 8th-12th grade in Sidney. In high school, Joan played basketball and was active in many clubs. She held fond memories of her high school times and friends. In 1953, she attended St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, MN, where she pursued a degree in education. There, she developed friendships with women from all corners of the globe, which sparked her love for culture and world travel. While at the university, Joan felt the calling for sisterhood through her bond with the sisters of St. Catherine’s, which she reflected on for most of her life. Joan’s heart was always open to others, and her compassion would remain a hallmark of her character throughout her life.
Joan’s life took a new direction when she married Percy Gering in 1955. Together, they had three children: Michael Wayne (deceased), Judy Ann, and Jody Ann. The family lived on Lake Sammamish in WA, where Joan loved recounting stories with her children, including canoe trips across the lake to the local store, and learning to water ski, adventures she always cherished.
After her marriage ended, Joan and her children relocated to Belfield, ND, where they settled close to her parents, who had also made Belfield their home. In 1962, she met and married Daniel Weigum. Together, they had three girls: Jamie Lee, Jessie Jo, and Jani Lynn. Joan and Dan, along with their six children, made their home on the family farm, where Joan played an active role in caring for the sheep and managing other daily farm duties.
In 1970, Joan and Dan and all six children moved to Riverton, WY, where Dan worked in the Union Carbide as a master welder and Joan worked as a caretaker of the elderly at the local nursing home, a role that was a true reflection of her nurturing nature. Joan dedicated her time to her family, with the three older kids finishing high school and the three younger kids in early elementary school. Joan enjoyed her busy life in Riverton and bonded closely with the neighbors, who became lifelong friends.
In 1976, Joan and the family returned to Belfield, purchasing a house where they could nurture their passion for gardening and enjoy the warmth of supportive neighbors. They were blessed to have John and Kathy Roller and their family right next door, and Danny and Rosie Wanner and their family just a short walk away. Joan’s love for all the friendships she made ran deep. She had many stories to tell of her friendships in the various jobs she had, including her job at St. Bernards with Roberta Sands; her job at Trapper’s that included so many friendships, especially with Helen Lindbo; her job at Perkins; and her job at Evergreen. In the late 1980s, Joan took a bold step and enrolled in beauty school, becoming a licensed hairstylist.
In 1995, after she lost two important people in her life—her mother, Pat, and her father figure, Walt—Joan decided to move to Sterling, KS, near her daughter, Jamie, and grandchildren: Christopher, Derek, Brent, Mickelle, and Daniel. Joan was very active in Sterling. She was a caretaker at heart and worked at the manor, touching many lives with her caring passion and kindness and, once again, made lifelong friendships. Joan was able to see her Kansas grandkids grow up and watch them play in all their school sports. Joan was very active in the Methodist Church and had fond memories of those activities, including a humanitarian trip to Mexico. She also had a sweet companion, a dachshund dog named Spanky, and they would take daily walks around the beautiful lake in Sterling.
In 2003, after fully retiring and while living in Kansas, Joan spent an extended stay with her daughter, Jessie, in Ft. Lee, VA, while Jessie’s husband Jeff moved to the family’s new duty assignment in Alaska. Joan helped with her grandchildren—Taylor and Michael—while Jessie completed her nursing degree. Joan had a good understanding of military life through her time with Jessie and loved her stay in Virgina, as the forest and hills reminded her of her childhood home in Wisconsin. She was also able to visit the historic sites in Virginia, which she fondly remembered.
In 2011, Joan moved to Virginia to live with her daughter Jani, son-in-law Paul, and grandchildren McKenna, Nate, and Keegan, where she became an integral and beloved member of the family. Whether it was enjoying family activities, prepping for the holidays, taking family trips, lending a listening ear, tending the garden, baking treats, or transporting the kids, Joan was always there, a steady presence in the lives of her loved ones. She had a special way of keeping things in balance, and her loving influence extended beyond her immediate family. Joan quickly became beloved in her close-knit neighborhood, where her warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Joan was previously active at the senior center, where she took weekly Tai Chi classes and volunteered regularly, always eager to stay active and give back. Joan was also a member of the Crozet United Methodist Church, and, for several years, she was an active member of the Lyons Club. In her last years, Joan found peace in simple pleasures—tending to her garden, watching NBA games, drinking tea and reading from her private patio, and taking in the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Halloween was a special time for Joan, as she took joy in preparing Halloween treat bags and sitting by the bonfire to enjoy the evening. Joan’s life was enriched by the close friendships she formed, particularly with Chris and Jenny, who met with her every Thursday for yoga, conversation, and treats. These moments, filled with laughter and companionship, were a testament to Joan’s loving and social spirit.
Joan had an adventurous spirit that was as boundless as her love for family. A true traveler at heart, she cherished every opportunity to visit her children and explore new places. Whether it was a quick weekend getaway or an extended trip, Joan never missed a chance to experience the world. She found joy in the diverse landscapes and cultures she encountered, always eager to learn something new and connect with people along the way. Her love for travel carried her throughout the United States and abroad to Mexico, England, Italy, Panama, Haiti, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, where each destination added to the tapestry of memories she wove over her lifetime. Her travels were never just about the places she visited but also about the people she met, the stories she heard, and the experiences that enriched her soul. One of the most memorable adventures came in 2024, when Joan had the chance to take a cruise with her daughters, Jamie and Jani, and close friends. It was an experience Joan cherished deeply—filled with laughter, shared moments, and the joy of exploring new destinations together. Through every trip, Joan’s spirit remained vibrant and curious, a reminder of the joy that comes from embracing the world with open arms and a full heart.
May we all follow in the footsteps of Joan, embracing each day with kindness, curiosity, and love. Her life serves as a beautiful example of living with purpose and passion, and in doing so, she touched the hearts of everyone around her.
Well done, Joan, on a life truly well-lived—you will be forever loved and deeply missed!
Joan is survived by her five daughters, Judy, Jody (Gordon), Jamie (Jeff); Jessie (Jeff), and Jani (Paul); her grandchildren Danielle, Heidi (Michael), Travis, Craig, Christopher (Kylie), Derek (Faith), Brent (Mariah), Mickelle (Joe), Daniel, Taylor, Michael, McKenna (Aaron), Nate, and Keegan. Great-grandchildren Adelade, Halle, Kapaun, Stella, Wade, Vance, Reece, Oliver, Finley, Levi, Max, Owen, Nash, and Gavin.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Patience and Earl; her father figure, Walt; her son, Michael; and her beloved grandchildren, Jeffrey and twin boys.
