JoAnn "Joni" Grace Nichols, 84 of Goodview, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side, Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Lake Winona Manor. JoAnn was born on June 19, 1936 to Edward and Dora (Gensmer) Matthees in Norton Township. She graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1954. On October 5, 1963 she married Boyd Nichols.
They lived in St. Louis Park, MN and in 1967 moved to Winona. She was employed at Prudential Insurance Company in Winona and Minneapolis, C&G Claim Service and retired from Winona Health in 2008.
JoAnn was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Minnesota City.
JoAnn loved to go dancing and enjoyed attending auctions and garage sales. She also bowled with the same team for many years. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and getting together with friends.
JoAnn is survived by her daughter, Melanie (Dan) Heim of Pine Island; brother, Gordon Matthees of Goodview (who passed away on April 30, 2021); 2 sisters-in-law, Janette Matthees of Byron and Sharon Matthees of Rollingstone; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Boyd in 1990; brothers, Eldor and Ed Matthees; and an infant brother.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Friday, June 18, 2021, at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, led by Rev. David Eckert. Visitation will be from 3 p.m., until the time of the service. JoAnn was laid to rest in Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Norton Township. Please leave a memory of JoAnn at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family.
Tributes
Rebecca Valentine wrote on Nov 8, 2020:
"I knew Joni from volunteering with the Caring Hands group at Winona Health. The picture of her is some typical of how she looked?genuine smile while doing a shoulder shrug. She was one of my favorite persons. We would discuss whatever she was watching on TV and whatever else was happening because she kept informed. A lovely person who will be missed by many!!
Rebecca"
Julie Hanson wrote on Oct 28, 2020:
"Melanie and Dan
You were both so very helpful when we were closing up mom and dads house in Zumbrota. Thenk you. Marion and Manton Steberg were best friends with your parents for so many years. I babysat for baby Melanie in Mpls., mom and JoAnn sat and danced to the Polka Dots for years. The Nichols hosted the band at a parade in Winona. Our girls were just little and we lived in LaCrosse..We tied up in Winona and had my parents and yours onboard our houseboat.
Best was when you and your mom joined us with mom and dad at Grandpas Garsge in Cannon Falls. They were in the nursing home together then, but it was a great day with the Polka Dots and crowd.
Your mom was a truly lovely person and we are so sad for you but do remember all the fun times...My mom was my best friend and I know your loss is of your best friend too. We are so sorry.
Mike and Julie Hanson
Michele and Brit and their families
L"
Judy Morrison wrote on Oct 13, 2020:
"I am one of the four gals Joni bowled with for quite a number of years. The five of us had many great fun nights at Westgate Bowl. Joni was a great conversationalist and her wit was equally refreshing. I do not remember ever seeing Joni without that wonderful smile on her face. But that was Joni...always smiling and glad to see you. It is a pleasure having known her in life and I now wish her peace in heaven with her Lord, her husband and other family members who passed before her. Dance on, Joni, dance on!
Judy Morrison"
Gloria Siewert wrote on Oct 13, 2020:
"Melanie and Dan...
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom\'s passing.... I thought of her often...and felt so badly that I could no later give her hand massages because of Covid..... I missed our weekly visits. In my prayers during this sad time. Take care.... Hugs and love Gloria "
Ellie Matthees wrote on Oct 13, 2020:
"Ellie Matthees
October 13, 2020
Melanie and Dan,
You have my sympathy. I just talked to her about 2 wks ago, but did not talk long because her mouth was sore. I called sometime before and asked if she was up to visiting outside, but didn?t get a positive answer. I missed the visits at the house, we had some good chats. She can now dance with Boyd again in heaven. Her pains are gone and she will make a pretty blonde angel. Sincerely, Ellie & Don"
Susan Matthees Burns wrote on Oct 13, 2020:
"Melanie and Dan,
Thinking of you guys during this difficult time. Lots of fun memories of your mom as we were growing up.
Her love of dancing was passed on to you Melanie. We certainly went to quite a few.
I also remember attending stock car races with you and your mom.
We also enjoyed riding in her white Thunderbird!
I can still hear her distinctive laugh while sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and the phone near by.
Words may not wipe away the tears and hugs may not ease the pain, but your wonderful memories will remain.
Love
Susan Matthees Burns
"
Cheryl Wondrasc wrote on Oct 13, 2020:
"Melanie, I am so sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of spending time with your family when we were children. Your Mom was always so loving and supportive. My prayers for you and your family. Cheryl Gunderson/Wondrasch"
Lori Thicke wrote on Oct 9, 2020:
"Dear Melanie and Dan,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of loss.
Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Love you guys, Steve, Lori and family"
Marilyn Grob wrote on Oct 9, 2020:
"Our sympathy to you Melanie. Your mom was a delightful person. Enjoyed being around her. I know you have many, many wonderful memories. God?s blessings!
Marilyn Grob"