JoAnn Marion Sutlief

JoAnn Marion Sutlief of Waseca, MN passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on the family farm in Rice County on December 3, 1940, she was the daughter of Elmer “Butch” and Marion (Bosacker) Sutter. She attended country school and later graduated from Waterville high school. After graduating, she entered the workforce, where she held a variety of positions at different locations until retiring from Itron.

On May 5, 1962, she was married to Delency Sutlief at First Congregational Church in Waseca, MN and they continued to make Waseca their home and raise their family. JoAnn enjoyed a variety of pastimes throughout her life. She grew flower gardens and a small vegetable garden, with tomatoes as her favorite. She spent countless hours tracing her family’s roots, preserving generations of history through genealogy. She also quilted with her two sisters, making many quilts for her entire family to enjoy and many that were generously donated to children in need and the local senior center. She took up swimming at 55 and never looked back, spending many happy hours in the water enjoying swims and water aerobics with her friends. JoAnn was a longtime member of the VFW Auxiliary and First Congregational Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She also dedicated many hours to volunteering at the VFW and the hospital.

Above all, JoAnn loved her family. Fridays were set aside for coffee and conversation at McDonald’s, a routine she cherished. She took great pride in being a grandmother and great-grandmother, offering constant support, care, and love in every way she could. She will be remembered as a devoted and caring woman who spent her life looking after others and loving her family deeply, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, and unwavering love.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children; Lisa (Scott) Borst, Michael (Leann) Sutlief, Mitchell Sutlief, Denise (Kelly) Pforr, and Craig Sutlief; grandchildren, Jon Brost, Tyler Borst, Michael Sutlief, Brandon (Hannah) Sutlief, Layne Pforr, Natasha Sutlief, Cayla (Blu) Anderson, and Joshua (Anne Wetherbee) Sutlief; great-grandchildren, Bryant, Wyatt, Warren, Lottie, LeAura, and Layla; sister, Audrey Hayes and Janette (Robert) Larson; sister-in-law, Nana Sutter; brother-in-law, Rolland Sutlief; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 2023; parents-in-law, Austin and Esther Sutlief; siblings, Richard (Irene) Sutter, Ernest (Peggy) Sutter, Thelma (Willis) Morsching, and Lyle Sutter; sisters-in-law, Pearl (Arvid) Peterson, Virgie (Lester) Lehman, and Cleone Sutlief; and brothers-in-law, Robert Hayes, Melvin (Virginia) Sutlief, and Donald (Audrey) Sutlief.

A Celebration of JoAnn's Life will be at the Waseca VFW Club on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, beginning at 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM. JoAnn will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Woodville Cemetery at a private burial.