Joan Ottum

Joan Ottum, age 83, of St. James died on Friday, September 20, 2019, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. Funeral services will be at Noon on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James with Pastor Daniel Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James. Visitation will be Tuesday at the funeral home beginning at 10am. Ruth Joan Warnemunde was born October 28, 1935, in Omaha, NE, the daughter of Wendell and Myrle (Nelson) Warnemunde. Joan grew up in the LaSalle/St. James area where she attended St. James High School. On August 9, 1952, Joan was united in marriage to Dale Ottum in St. James. The couple made their home on Dales folks farm near Butterfield until 1959 when they moved into St. James. Joan did babysitting for several years then worked at Ekman Clothing Store before going to work at the school as a cook where she worked until her retirement. She enjoyed coffee time with friends and embroidery; her family and friends especially enjoyed her pies and cooking. She was a member of Highland Baptist Church where she enjoyed playing piano and singing. She was also active in the extension club. Joan is survived by her daughters; Linda Ottum of St. James, Jocelyn (Mark) Yeadon, Warrenton, MO, Mary Ottum of St. James, sisters; Sharon Lohmeyer of Texas, Wendy (Jerry) Clark, Texas, Jane (Bob) Johnson of Owatonna, grandchildren; Angela (Jason) Wolgamott, Stephanie (Chris) Bartz, Daniel Yeadon, Samuel Yeadon, Emily (Joel) Wolf, Moriah (Montell) Jones, great-grandchildren; Elijah, Ellie, Gavin, Cora Wolgamott, Autumn Miller, aunts; Lila Jean Mathias of St. James, Lillian Warnemunde of St. James and sister-in-law Patricia Warnemunde of St. James and many nieces and nephews. Special friend of over 50 years, Marge Harms of St James. She was preceded in death by her husband, son Kevin, parents, brother Larry and sister Janet. Visitation 1 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 12:00 pm Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James S. CR 27 St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Fellowship Fellowship and lunch will follow at Hosanna Lutheran Church social hall.