Joanne Lorraine Carter was born on June 26, 1939, in Tracy, Minnesota, to John Louis and Ruth Johnson Prouty. She grew up on the family farm north of Tracy and graduated from Tracy High School in 1957. Joanne continued her education at Bethany College in Mankato, Minnesota.
On July 19, 1959, Joanne married Wayne Carter at Zion Lutheran Church in Tracy, Minnesota. Following their marriage, Joanne joined Wayne in Germany while he was stationed there with the United States Army. After Wayne’s discharge in January 1960, the couple settled in Currie, Minnesota.
Joanne worked as a paraprofessional at Currie Elementary School and later at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Tracy. In 1977, she began working at Currie State Bank, where she remained until her retirement in 2005.
Joanne passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2024, surrounded by her family, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was 85 years old.
A devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Tracy, Joanne taught Sunday School and Bible School and contributed to many Christmas Eve children’s services. She was the first woman to serve on the Currie City Council and was an active member of the Currie Town and Country Boosters. Joanne cherished time with family and friends and enjoyed walking, music, biking, and puzzles.
Survivors include:
- Her husband, Wayne Carter of Currie, MN
- Two sons: Tom Carter of Seattle, WA, and Steve Carter (Amy) of Gig Harbor, WA
- Two grandchildren: Jane Carter (Phil Babcock) and Ben Carter
- Two great-grandchildren: Wheeler Thomas Babcock and Cora Joanne Babcock
- Two siblings: Art Prouty (Sue) of Burnsville, MN, and Lezlee Prouty of Sioux Falls, SD
- One brother-in-law: Chuck Peltola (Kanani) of Currie, MN
- Many nieces, nephews, and their families
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother, Jim Prouty (Kay); her sister, Pat Peltola; and her brother, Allen Prouty.
Memorial Services
A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Tracy, MN, on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Samuel Schmeling officiating. Val Hayes will serve as the organist, and special music will be provided by Joanne’s son, Tom Carter. Interment will follow at Tracy City Cemetery in Tracy, MN.
Visitation will take place at Totzke Funeral Home in Slayton, MN, on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
To view the online obituary and send condolences, please visit totzkefuneralhome.com.