Joanne Marion Walz

Joanne Marion Halliwill Walz, age 93, a longtime resident of rural Sebeka, passed away peacefully in her home on February 25, 2022. She was born December 29, 1928, at her parents’ home near Winfield, Iowa, the first of 9 children of Oral and Marion (Mills) Halliwill. The family moved to Wadena County in 1932, and she graduated from Wadena High School in 1947. She loved to dance. Luckily, she met Bernard (Ben) Walz, Sr. at a wedding dance. They married on January 15, 1948, and danced together for 55 years until his death in 2003. They had 16 children and established Rocky Ridge Farm in Rockwood Township. She was active in her community through St. Hubert’s Catholic Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, drove veterans for medical care and was a co-founder and adult leader of the Jolly Jets 4-H club, to which all of her children belonged. A skilled baker, she was known for the delicious, decorated tiered cakes she made for weddings, birthdays, and other occasions. She cared deeply about her neighbors and treasured belonging to a birthday club, Busy Homemakers, card club and a coffee club for decades. She enjoyed reading, embroidery, collecting Red Wing pottery, genealogy, and keeping up with her children and grandchildren on her computer. Her legacy also includes tracing her family’s history back to England in the 1600s. Joanne is survived by 14 children: Ronald (Nancy), Raymond (Mary), Rodney (Lesley), Alan (Janice), Ruth (Howard) Janke, Renee, Bernard Jr. “Bernie” (Linda), Kevin (Kathy), Lyle (Amy), Marion (Duane) Goeden, Curtis (Nadine), Melanie Cole, Marla (John) Waseka, and Amy; brother H. Dwight “Ike” (Sharon) Halliwill, sister Lyn (David) Schonebaum; brother-in-law Philip Walz, sisters-in-law Kathy Walz and Dianne Halliwill; 44 grandchildren, 88 great- grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; sons Russell and Wendell; brothers Jerome, Dan, Dean, and Jon Halliwill; and sisters Wanda Richards and Joyce Ramberg. Joanne will be missed by all who knew her. She was a kind, gentle, caring woman who handled life with courage, steadfastness, and wit. May her reward in heaven be great. She has a dance partner waiting for her. Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN and continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Auxiliary Honors will be at 6 PM. Holy Rosary and Parish Prayers will be at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, March 3, 2022 at St. Hubert's Catholic Church in Bluegrass, MN. Interment will be at St. Hubert's Catholic Cemetery in Bluegrass, MN.