Joanne Mary Behne passed away peacefully at her home in Naples, Florida, on March 20, 2026, shortly after her 82nd birthday.

Joanne “Jo or Chris” was born on March 19, 1944, to Peter and Alberta (Hassing) Christensen. She grew up a middle child in the rural town of Freeborn, Minnesota, with her four siblings. She enjoyed the small-town life, playing, working, and socializing with the lake community. A perfect blend of responsible and mischievous, Jo kept her parents on their toes. She attended St. Mary's and Marian Parochial Schools in Owatonna until 1962, when she went on to study cosmetology in Mankato, Minnesota. It was here that Jo’s refined style flourished and eventually caught the eye of her future husband.

On September 21, 1968, she married Leslie Behne and began a life together in Owatonna, MN. Here, they built a new house and had their first son, Jason. Soon after, they purchased a farm implement business and relocated to Northwood, Iowa, where they had another son, Brandon. Jo enjoyed being a Mom and gave her children the same small-town life that she grew up with. Over the years, the family called many places home, including Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, Osage, Iowa, and Naples, Florida. Joanne enjoyed a good sunset. Her final years were spent chasing sunsets on the beautiful Florida Gulf Coast during the winter months and along the Osage, Iowa Cedar River bluffs in the summer.

Joanne enjoyed a competitive game of Scrabble and was known to be a formidable opponent at the table. She also enjoyed watching football and could be quite vocal during a Vikings game. Most of all, she treasured time with her three grandchildren, whom she adored.

She loved to travel, with a particular fondness for tropical destinations and warm weather. Her happiest memories were made with her family and the vacations they shared together. When she was unable to travel herself, her family would travel to her. These vacations and staycations created memories filled with love, laughter, and stories that will live on through the ones she left behind. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Les Behne; her sons, Jay Behne and Brandon (Nicole) Behne; her grandchildren, Samantha, Brooklyn, and Bowan Behne; her sister, Elaine Stientjes; and her brothers, Ronald Christensen, Dennis (Linda) Christensen, and Jerald (fiancé Sandy) Christensen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Alberta Christensen; her sister-in-law, Donna Christensen; her brother-in-law, Morel "Bud" Stientjes; her nieces, Jessica Christensen and Michelle “Micki” Christensen; and her nephew, Brian Christensen.

A private family service will be held.

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