Joann C. Wildman, age 88, of St. Paul, MN, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026.

Joann was a loving, strong, and fiercely independent woman whose hard working spirit shaped her life and the lives of those around her. She was known for her determination and having a little bit of wonderful stubbornness that made her exactly who she was. Her strength carried her family through generations, and her love was steady and unwavering.

In her later years, Joann faced Alzheimer’s disease with quiet resilience. Though the disease slowly changed many things, it never touched the depth of her love nor the impact she made on those around her. Even as memories faded, the foundation she built in her family remained strong, a testament to the life she lived long before the illness.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: sunbathing in the warm sunshine, eating strawberry ice cream, saying I love you more, tending to her flowers, celebrating holidays, cooking and sharing meals with family and friends, and faithfully cheering on the Minnesota Vikings - each and every week. Her home was a place of warmth, good food, and belonging.

Joann was preceded in death by her father, Herman T. Running Sr.; her mother, Dorthy I. Claeson; her brother, Herman T. Running Jr. (Rose); her sister, Maxine Hansen (Bill); her sister, Janet Gutz; and her sister-in-law, Lona Running.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie Moran (Dan); her granddaughter, Tricia Gantt (Mike); her beloved great-grandchildren: Makai, Noelani and Nevaeh Gantt; her brothers: Le Roy Running and Tom Running (Linda); her brother-in-law, Mel Gutz; as well as many loving step-grandchildren: Marita (Joe) Wildenaeur, Mike Moran, and Danielle (Andy) Larranaga; along with numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

Joann’s legacy lives on in the strength, resilience, and love she instilled in her family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 20th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Sandberg Funeral Home, 2593 7th Ave E, North St. Paul, MN 55109. A service will follow at 12:00 PM, with a light luncheon immediately following on site.