JoAnn Brehmer

JoAnn Brehmer, daughter of Carl and Hannah Otteman, passed away at the age of 93 on January 2, 2026. She was a resident at Ashby Living Center for the past 11 years. Funeral Services were held on January 6, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake with Reverend Bill Aufdenkamp officiating. Burial will be at Christ Lutheran Cemetery in the spring of 2026.

JoAnn was born in Pender, Nebraska on March 7, 1932. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Thurston County. JoAnn attended grade school in Thurston County, district 3, and graduated from Pender High School in 1949. She was married to Willis John Brehmer on March 12, 1950. They celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Along with being a farmer's wife, JoAnn maintained a garden and did community services with the school systems and her church ladies aid group. She was known for her upholstery skills, and crocheting scrubbies, bags, and rugs. She worked 3 years at the local Martineau Chicken Ranch. She then became a home health aide, working for Grant County Public Health for 17 years. She finished working at the age of 79. JoAnn enjoyed family, friends, fishing, playing cards, and square dancing.

She is survived by two brothers, Richard Otteman and Merlin Otteman; 8 children; 21 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake with Reverend Bill Aufdenkamp officiating. A Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church, with a Prayer Service at 6:30PM. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Burial will be at Christ Lutheran Cemetery in the spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Lutheran Church of Elbow Lake, Minnesota.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home.