Johanna (JoAnn) Somsen, 101, Jamestown, died May 10, 2024, at Ave Maria Nursing Home Jamestown, ND.
Johanna Alvina Bata was born on May 6, 1923 to Charley and Alvina (Pitra) Bata in Kensal, ND. She graduated from Kensal High School and Dakota Business College, Fargo, ND. In 1945, Johanna joined the US Navy receiving her training at Bronx, NYC and was stationed at Arlington, VA. She was employed at the Naval Personnel Building, Washington, DC as a secretary and received an honorable discharge in 1946 as a Y2C. Johanna remained in the Navy Reserve until 1949. She was always proud to be a member of the Navy and wore her uniform with great pride.
In 1947, Johanna enrolled in the Academy of Accounting, Minneapolis, MN graduating as a Jr. CPA. She returned to Jamestown and worked at the Jamestown National Bank until 1952.
Johanna married Obert Somsen on November 10, 1952 at St. John’s Catholic Chapel, Kensal, ND. They farmed north of Courtenay, ND and it did not take very long before she was driving tractors, tandem trucks and combines. In 1984 they moved to Jamestown where she kept active taking care of the yard and tending to a large garden. She took many vegetables to the Stutsman County Fair where she always seemed to come home with ribbons. She enjoyed having the grandchildren at her house and caring for them. She always went to their school programs and found time to go to their sports whether it was basketball, volley ball or soccer always cheering them on.
Johanna was a member of the St. James Basilica, American Legion Post 14, and Military Women Memorial, Washington, DC.
Johanna is survived by her son, Steven (Sherry) Somsen, Courtenay, ND; daughter, Shirley (Rich) McGruder, Jamestown, ND; son-in-law, Jeff Schuchard, Jamestown, ND. Four grandchildren, Jenna (David) Stoppleworth, Courtenay, ND, Sara (Dustin) McGregor, Fairdale, ND, Jenny (Levi) Peet, Jamestown, ND, and Weston (Abby) McGruder, Williston, ND; eight great-grandchildren; one step-grandson Jason Nelson, Fargo, ND; and 2 step-grandchildren Cooper Nelson and Zaidyn Peet. She is also survived by sisters, Frances Dahl, Cooperstown and Helen Schlotman, Carrington, ND; and many nieces and nephews.
Johanna was preceded in death by her husband, Obert; daughter, Sandra Schuchard; brothers, Gerhard, and Charles; sisters, Valerie, Arlene, Rose, Maxine; and step-grandchild, Keaton Nelson.
Johanna’s family extends special thanks to the kind and caring caregivers at Ave Maria Nursing Home, Hospice of the Red River Valley, and Eventide Jamestown, ND.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Mass of Christian Burial – 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 13, 2024 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown.
Visitation – One hour before the service at the church.
Burial – Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown.