Rue, JoAnn Marie (Oimoen)

JoAnn Marie (Oimoen) Rue, age 95, of Barneveld/Mount Horeb, died peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at SSM Health St. Mary's Care Center in Madison. Close family members were by her side. JoAnn collected angels and would write out Bible verses and words of inspiration for herself which indicated her deep faith. The angels and her husband, Harland, of almost 73 years were there to welcome her to heaven.

JoAnn was born on June 21, 1929, to Esther Dorthea (Skindrud) and Otto Oimoen, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wis. JoAnn graduated from Waupun High School in 1947.   JoAnn and Harland were married on March 28, 1948, on Easter Sunday night at Barneveld Lutheran Church. They started their life-love of travel by celebrating their honeymoon on a road trip to the Southwestern United States.  

Faith was a value to JoAnn as she was a life-long active member of Barneveld Lutheran Church. Her faith was shown as a member of the Ladies Aid, Deborah circle, rommegrot-making at the Lutefisk suppers for many years and a Bible school teacher. She served others unconditionally by being a volunteer in many other organizations such as the Barneveld PTA, homemakers, World Dairy Expo craft fair, Associated Milk Producers (AMPI) auxiliary, Brigham township election poll worker, Sons of Norway, and the Homestead Board of Directors. She also was a breast cancer survivor and a lifelong blood donor. She found "Joy" in her church and in everyday life.

Farm and family were prioritized in her life. For 42 years, JoAnn continued the tradition of farming and raising her children on the family land that was originally homesteaded in 1851. She managed every aspect of farm and family life including milking the cows, caring for the calves, cleaning the dairy equipment, keeping farm records, paying the bills, calculating the farm taxes, and keeping everything organized. She loved all the farm animals including the kitties and dogs. Education was also prioritized because she worked many hours helping her children with schoolwork and related activities.

Friendship was cherished. JoAnn would spend many hours developing relationships by socializing, card playing or traveling with family and friends. She enjoyed "fishing" with Harland and friends on Friday nights. JoAnn would remember everyone's birthdays and anniversaries.  JoAnn treasured the scripture verse from Matthew 7:7. “Ask, Seek, Knock.” This message was prominently displayed by her front door welcoming guests. 

Fellowship and eating together were important in her life. Many conversations with so many people occurred in JoAnn's kitchen. JoAnn could feed a group of hungry people at a moment's notice and have a lovely dessert available. Many family gatherings included Grandma's meatballs and gravy, "Grandma buns," mashed potatoes, and lefse. JoAnn and Harland developed a “secret” recipe for perfect lefse and were always eager to lead a lefse-making seminar for family and friends. JoAnn always had a spot at the table for last minute guests and she was a wonderful strong-willed lady who impacted many people. After retiring from farming, JoAnn remained busy by working at Land's End. JoAnn and Harland moved to the Homestead Cooperative in Mount Horeb where they developed valued friendships with new neighbors and hosted many happy gatherings with siblings, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.  

JoAnn gave her grandchildren unconditional love and support with all their activities. JoAnn and Harland had many Culver's meals with the grandchildren! She loved watching them all grow into adulthood. She was excited for the little great-grandchildren and looked forward to their future.

Survivors include her children, Kathy (Gary) Anderson of Franksville, Ken (Theresa) Rue of Barneveld, Tom (Dawn) Rue of Tomah, and Pam (Paul) Neumann of Madison; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jesse) Garcia and Harvey and Henry; Scot (Sara) Anderson and Arthur and Matthew; Nic (Carrie) Rue and Joanna, Abigail, Jacob, and Ella; John Rue; Esther Rue; Tim (Michelle) Rue and Logan, Caleb, Anna, and Olivia; Marcus (Christina) Rue and Amara; Karla Rue; Brett Neumann; and Jamie Neumann. She is also survived by several very special nieces and nephews, including Mary Esther Katic.  

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Harland; her parents; Harland’s parents, Minnie and Halvor Rue; and other family members including her brother, Gerald (Jane) Oimoen; and Harland’s family, Henry Rue, Alice (Kermit) Carden, Helen (Alton) Knudson, Mabel (Wallace) Knudson, Beulah (Lawrence "Shorty") Uren, and Marvin (Betty) Rue. She was the final survivor in this great generation of the Rue/Oimoen family.

A funeral service will be held at BARNEVELD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 505 Swiss Lane, Barneveld, at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit JoAnn’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the service and click on “Watch Now” in the Webcast section. A visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Burial will take place at West Blue Mounds Cemetery.  

JoAnn’s family wishes to thank SSM Health St. Mary's Care Center. JoAnn enjoyed sitting and "working" by Renee and the rest of the staff at the nurse's station and listening to the happenings at the unit. In addition, her family would like to thank Dr. Amy Daley and the Hospice program with SSM Health at Home. They provided JoAnn a lot of kindness and compassionate care.  

The family requests memorials be made to Barneveld Lutheran Church or the Village of Barneveld - Memorial Park Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho 

Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077