JoAnn Kelling

JoAnn Kelling met her Lord and Savior on September 15, 2025, surrounded by her family and her loving friends whom she considered her family after a short-lived, terminal battle with liver cancer.

JoAnn was the kindest, most giving, and most compassionate person who lived to serve our Lord and others.

JoAnn was born on July 26, 1950 to Allan and Gloria (Hamson) Borglum in Easton, MN. JoAnn graduated from Waldorf-Pemberton High School in 1968. After graduation, she married (later divorced) and started her family. She dedicated her life to her family and working day and night to make the everyday moments special. JoAnn saw the world through the eyes of a child and took every opportunity to share that special gift with others, celebrating every event, occasion, holiday, and family tradition. She always went the extra mile to bring happiness to everyone around her.

JoAnn was a lifelong caregiver, both in her daily actions and her work. Her calling was caring for people as a home health care worker. Most importantly, one of her greatest accomplishments in her life was being a caregiver to her granddaughter Bella for a decade. Bella was JoAnn's pride and joy and the two shared an unbreakable bond.

JoAnn was heavily involved in her community and fully believed in blooming where she was planted. She was a dedicated member of First Lutheran Church. She served on the board, was an active participant on the Sunshine Committee to visit the shut ins, the Welcoming Committee, and Women in Mission. In Waldorf, she was very active in the Petal Pushers Garden Club. Whenever someone in Waldorf needed help, JoAnn was there.

Very rarely in life, we are blessed to know and walk among angels. JoAnn was one of those angels and truly embodied Christ in all she did. Like Jesus, JoAnn's life was not without pain and strife. She carried many crosses in her life and laid down her life for her family and loved ones. She walked this earth to serve others and was never too busy to help someone in need, much like our Lord.

JoAnn said she only wanted her obituary to say: "She loved the Lord and her family." However, we all know it is impossible to put into words the impact JoAnn had on our lives. Those of us who loved and cherished her will continue to hold her memory close to our hearts. While her time with us here on earth was much too short, God needed his angel in Heaven.

JoAnn is survived by two children, Kristi and her husband Augie Fennert of Waseca; Dawn Kelling and her husband Doug Gerdts of Rochester; three grandchildren, Andrew (Alicia) Morales of Kasson, Kaleb Fennert of Waseca, and Bella Kelling Gerdts of Rochester; and two great grandchildren, Cameron and Eilee Morales. She is also survived by her siblings, Barb Fennert of Waseca, Richard (Marie) Borglum of Kasota, Darrell (Sue) Borglum of Waseca, Raymond (Barb) Borglum of Winona, and Tammy (Paul) Engen of Bates City, MO and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Jerry Borglum.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 5-7 PM at First Lutheran Church in Waldorf and continue on Saturday, one hour before services at the church.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Waldorf. Burial will follow at First Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.