JoAnne Stifter Obituary

JoAnne (Joni) Stifter, 81, of Silver Lake, MN, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025, peacefully in her sleep after a brief at-home hospice stay.
Joni was born on May 31, 1944, in St. Joseph, MN, to Alvina and Raymond (Ray) Theisen. She grew up on the family's dairy farm and attended a country school just down the road. She later attended St. Benedict's High School, graduating in 1962. In her teens, Joni survived a serious car accident, an event that presented lifelong health challenges she faced with remarkable quiet strength.
She met the love of her life, Felix Stifter, outside a pizza shop in Winsted, MN, in February of 1967. They married in October of that year and enjoyed over 57 years of marriage, raising three children on a small hobby farm between Silver Lake and Winsted.
Joni was dedicated to her family and did not begin work until the last of her three children began school. She worked seasonal jobs for a few years while the kids were growing and eventually worked at the Red Owl store in Winsted before ultimately returning to 3M, where she worked until an early retirement due to health issues.
Joni was a quiet and steady presence to those who knew her. She showered her children and grandchildren with unconditional love and support, deeply cherishing their visits.
Joni was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandparent, and friend and will be deeply missed by her husband, Felix; children, Mike (Tammy) Stifter, Michele (Joe) Ebert, and Jon (Merisa) Stifter; and her cherished grandchildren, Ryan Ebert, Brandon (Amy) Ebert, Emily Stifter, Jaynan Stifter, Alyssa Ebert, Jackson Stifter, and Landon Stifter. Joni is survived by her siblings, Al (Laura) Theisen, Jim (Carol) Theisen, Mary (John) Klug, and Dave (Mary) Theisen; in-laws, Vince (Cathy) Stifter, Len (Betty) Stifter, Ronnie Stifter; many nieces and nephews; and close friends.
Joni was preceded in death by her parents, Alvina and Ray Theisen; in-laws Dora and Frank Stifter; and their children, Frank (Alice) Stifter, Bernadette (Lawrence) Libor, Eugene Stifter, Gilbert (Beverly) Stifter, and Monica Stifter; and infant daughter, Jean.
A Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted, MN.
A Memorial Mass will immediately follow at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted.
Inurnment will follow the service for immediate family at Holy Trinity Cemetery.
All other guests are invited to enjoy a meal in the basement of the Church after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family will designate a memorial in her honor at a later date.
The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com