Obituary

Joan Rae Berry (née Hendrickson), born on November 28, 1945, in Webster City, Iowa, passed away on August 15, 2024, in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 78. Joan’s early years were spent in Iowa, where she attended Jewell Elementary School and graduated from South Hamilton High School before earning her BS degree in telecommunication arts with a minor in music from Iowa State University.

Joan’s career was as diverse as it was dynamic. She began working detasseling corn in Jewell, Iowa during her high school years. She later held positions as a waitress and cook in Ames, Iowa at The Hungry Cy and Pizza Den. Her career took a turn towards media when she worked as a part-time receptionist at Channel 5 TV in Ames, Iowa and later as a promotion assistant at KRNT TV in Des Moines, Iowa. Joan’s adventurous spirit led her to Seoul South Korea to join her husband, Don, who served in the Army there. While there she worked in various roles including as a weather girl for American Forces Korean Network and at the US Army Commissary. Upon returning to the United States, Joan entered the advertising field, working for the Forest Lake Times and Peach newspapers in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone as she started her own business, Joan Berry Advertising, and later in 1982 opened Working Woman Clothing Store in Forest Lake while at the same time continuing with Joan Berry Advertising . After closing Working Woman in early 1989, she eventually transitioned Joan Berry Advertising into web design, operating Joan Berry Web Design until 2007.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Joan was deeply involved in the arts. She enjoyed singing with various vocal groups and playing her instruments in community orchestras and community theater orchestra pits. Her love for the theater wasn’t just instrumental; she also embraced acting in community theater musical productions. Later in life, as an avid bicyclist, Joan found joy and relaxation in biking with friends and family in both Minnesota and Arizona.

Joan is survived by her loving spouse, Donald L. Berry, her son, Donald A. Berry, her grandson, Ethan G. Berry, and her brother, Max S. Hendrickson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aldis R. and Florance M. Hendrickson.
Joan will be remembered for her vibrant personality, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her passion for the arts. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and loved her.