Obituaries

Joann would like everyone to know that her work here on Earth is done. She received a call from God on Wednesday, March 4, 2026; at the age of 89, while living at the Bethesda Grand in Willmar, Minnesota.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19 at the Fairview Cemetery in Raymond, Minnesota. Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.

Joann Beecroft Ryks was born in New London to Jerome and Rhoda (King) Beecroft on July 18, 1936. She was the oldest of nine siblings.

Joann met George Ryks while working at Jennie-O Foods in Willmar, Minnesota. They were married at the Christian Reform Church in Raymond, Minnesota on August 26, 1955, and lived in an apartment in Willmar.

In 1958, they moved to their first home in New London, Minnesota. Here they raised three children: James, Jeffrey, and Julie. Joann worked in several restaurants and was well-known for being a fine cook. She delighted in preparing tasty food to share with family and friends. Teaching herself to cook via her vast cookbook collection and newspaper clippings. She loved the outdoors, gardening, and yearly visits to We Fest.

In 1976, the Ryks moved to Norway Lake and here is where Joann retired. Joann was extremely family oriented and held a special bond with her numerous nieces and nephews. She spent time organizing family get-togethers for birthdays preparing favorite foods everyone asked for. If not surrounded by family, Joann’s kind heart was apparent as she volunteered for the Wick Program in St. Cloud, Minnesota for several years.

Joann leaves behind sons: James (Carey Thompson) and Jeffrey (Julie Klint); sisters: Elaine Ceyson, Darlene Nielson, Susan Beecroft, and Lela (Wally) Carlson; brother: Wayne (Barbara) Beecroft; three amazing grandchildren: Chris (Courtney) Ryks, Nicholas (partner Cassie), and Jacob (Sarah) Hanson; and 3 delightful great-grandchildren: Harper, Oliver, and Freya.

United with husband, George; daughter, Julie Evans; brothers: Paul, William, and Tony.