JoAnn Carolyn Chesser

JoAnn Chesser, 89, passed away peacefully with family by her side at Diamond Willow, Proctor on January 16, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

JoAnn lived a life grounded in kindness, service, and a deep commitment to her family and community. Guided by her faith and a lifelong dedication to helping others, JoAnn was deeply involved at St. Paul’s Episcopalian Church, volunteered at CHUM helped start the Rhubarb Festival, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and was active in the Whole Foods Co-op community. Whether serving a meal, lending a hand, or sharing a warm smile, she touched countless lives through her generosity and compassion. JoAnn retired from St. Louis County as a social worker, after years of helping others. She loved to cook and bake around the holidays. She would take the grandchildren on several camping trips where they learned all about “roughing it” and shared several stories over the campfire.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Vivian “Lulu” Haff; her brothers, John and Bob; and her sisters, Midgie and Mary Ann. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life.

A devoted mother and nurturing presence, JoAnn is survived by her sons, David (Ann) Chesser and Robert (Lori) Chesser. She also held a special place in her heart for her niece and nephew, Heidi and Brian (Nikki) Cagle, whom she helped raise and loved as her own.

JoAnn also leaves behind her sisters Sally, Judy and Lonetta, her sister-in-law Ann, several nieces and nephews, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished deeply. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, humor, and unwavering love.

Visitation will be held on Friday Jan. 30, 2026, from 10AM until the 11AM Memorial Service in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1710 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55812. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. JoAnn will be buried later this spring in Cross Lake, MN.

JoAnn will be dearly missed, but her legacy of service, family devotion, and kindness will continue to shine through the lives she touched.

The family would like to thank the staff at Diamond Willow and Essentia Hospice for the care they gave JoAnn.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in her name to The Alzheimer’s Association or Second Harvest Northland in hopes that the community will remember her as well.