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Joanne M. Christensen, age 56, of rural North Branch, MN, passed away November 21, 2016, peacefully at home surrounded by her pets and best friends after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. She is preceded in death by her father, Olaf Cleveland.

Joanne married Eric Christensen in 1981. Joanne was most recently an Information Technology Coordinator for Parmly LifePointes in Chisago City and Ecumen in North Branch. Joanne had a long career in office automation and information technology management and implementation. Joanne started her career as a repair technician in 1981. Joanne was also the IT Director for Pine County for 12 years. While repairing equipment and helping computer users was her day job, Joanne shared many interesting hobbies with husband Eric.  In 1984 Joanne and Eric designed and built their little home-in-the-woods in the St. Croix Valley, near Almelund, MN where they have resided since.  Other favorite activities included sailing on Lake Superior for 25 years, cross country skiing, hiking and trekking through the mountains of Wyoming, Montana and Alberta. In recent years Joanne and Eric enjoyed making maple syrup and brewing delicious beer. In 2011 they began a new tradition, that combined these two activities into a gathering of friends called SapFest.  Joanne and Eric were also accomplished scuba divers and made numerous trips to the Caribbean to enjoy as much time below and above the water as possible. Their most recent dive trip was to the tiny island nation of Bonaire, near Venezuela.  

Two of Joanne’s most enduring qualities were those  of kindness and grace. She rarely had a bad day and did her best to enjoy every day.
 
Joanne is survived by her husband of 35 years, Eric Christensen; her mother, Marlys Cleveland; brother, John Cleveland; sister Karen Cleveland; along with numerous nieces and nephews.  Joanne’s family wants to thank Fairview Lakes Home Hospice, U of M Masonic Cancer Clinic and everybody who cared for Joanne.  

Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers. Suggested donations may be made to the Fairview Hospice and the U of M Masonic Cancer Clinic.

Family will greet friends from 5-8 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2016 with a Life Celebration Service taking place at 7 p.m. at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025.

Online condolences may be made at www.mattsonfuneralhome.com. Cards and memorials may be directed to Mattson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 343 N. Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025.

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