Joann Rosemary (nèe Bird) Atkinson, 89, of Zumbrota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
She was born on October 15, 1936, in Minneapolis, MN to Robert and Hazel (nèe Christians) Bird, the only daughter of their five children. She fondly remembered being able to spend her Saturdays at the movie theater for 25 cents and summers at her grandma's farm. Joann graduated from Wanamingo High in 1954.
She spent many decades working at the Bank of Zumbrota; her final role was as a loan assistant. She enjoyed hiking, reading, cooking, watching movies, and spending time with family. On July 25, 1981, Joann married her beloved husband, Richard Atkinson. They spent many wonderful years together making trips out west, hiking, camping, and spending time with family.
Joann is survived by her sons, Michael and Nathan Hamblin; daughter, Laurie Hamblin; daughter-in-law, Corrie (Brett) Hamblin; stepdaughter, Rita Rozea; six grandchildren, Jonathan and Elizabeth Hall, Alex (Ayshlan) Hamblin, Hollie (Brady) Wood, Ethan Hamblin, Gretchen (Garrett) Purvis; and six great-grandchildren, Alex Garrison, Jasper, Milo, Wells, and Posie Woods, and Chloe Hamblin.
Joann is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jim, Pete, John, and Bob; son, Brett Hamblin; and husband, Richard Atkinson.
A Celebration of Joann's Life will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home Larson Chapel in Zumbrota. A private burial will take place at Zumbrota Cemetery. Arrangements made by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel.
