Joan Louise Spellman, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the age of 90 years, three months, and two days old.
A Funeral Service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel, with Pastor George Shaver officiating.
Interment will be at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery following the service.
A time for fellowship and luncheon will follow the interment at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m., Sunday, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel; visitation will continue one hour before the service.
Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s website following the service.
Joan Louise Kanaly was born to James and Grace Lucretia (Kampman) Kanaly four and a half miles east of Columbia, SD, on December 6, 1934. Joanie attended the Nelson, Putney, Henry Neill and Westport schools. She graduated from Westport High School in 1952. Joanie was president of two 4H clubs and vice president of the Young Citizens League.
She moved to Aberdeen at age 17 and started working for the County Superintendent of Schools and the Aberdeen Health Department. Over the years, Joan worked at Bethesda Nursing Home, Tempo, Kessler’s greenhouse, and SuperAmerica. Joan was in the Miss Aberdeen contest and the Miss Universe contest in 1954.
On September 4, 1954, Joan eloped with William Dale Spellman. They were married at Ortonville, MN. This was the beginning of a lifelong romance. They were married again on December 19, 1954 for the family. Joan and Dale lived in Isabel, SD; Seattle, WA and Castlewood, SD before moving back to Aberdeen. Eight children came along in 12 years!
Mama Joan was the best, most fun, and prettiest mom. All the neighborhood kids played at the Spellman house. Joan created an idyllic, magical childhood for her children. Joan had a beautiful voice and loved to sing and dance. She loved a celebration, was a great cook, loved photography, and loved getting dressed up. Joan and Dale were often seen in coordinating outfits. She was a Girl Scout leader, program chairman and president of the Women’s Travel Club, also president of SoDak Social Club. Joan never met a stranger, always had a kind word and was a friend to all. Joan and Dale were both baptized into the Aberdeen Seventh-day Church. The church was a huge part of their lives and they rarely missed a Sabbath. Gramma Joan took care of many children as her own. She was most proud of her family.
Joan is survived by her children: Joni (Ken) Krause of Aberdeen, SD, Jill Tolkinen of Bloomington, MN, Melanie (Stephen) Spellman of Huron, SD, William (Tammy) Spellman of Aberdeen, SD, Clay (Jeanne) Spellman of Aberdeen, SD, Melissa Spellman of Aberdeen, SD, and Clell Spellman (Joan’s excellent care-giver for the last 14 years) of Aberdeen, SD; grandchildren: Jacob (Becky), Kanaly, Keth (Raven), Kaleb, Jonah, Cole, Jack, Merissa, Meghan, MeKayla (Justin), Sevlen, Destin, Daylon, Dessa, Brittany, Chaz (Vena), Skyler (Taylor), Zane, Rustelle (Steven), Elissa (Andrew), Jess (Kara), and Shane; great-grandchildren: Asa, Juniper, Josiah, Grace, Kenissa (Glenn), Naiya, Kyler, Merlin, Avery, Kade, Maisey (Connor), Jazz, Melaya, Stellen, Cecillia, Oliver, Samuel, Junia, Amos, Alexis, Shaidyn, Logan, Caden, Ezra, Vada, Quinleigh, Arlo, and Angus; great-great-grandson, Holt; brother-in-law, Delano Stassel; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; son, Clint Kampman Spellman; siblings: Kathlyn (James Ziegler), Lyle Kanaly, and Jeannette Stassel; nephews James Ziegler and Ian Haubner; and niece, Heidi Lutkins.
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