Joan Ethel Lazorenko passed away on April 20th, 2026, in West Fargo, ND, at the age of 88.

Joan was born October 17th, 1937, in Fargo, ND to Loren and Catherine Pierce. Her middle name was chosen in honor of her grandmother Ethel Starr Pierce. She grew up and attended schools in Moorhead, MN and graduated from Moorhead High in 1955. While attending Moorhead High she was a majorette with the marching band. There were many memorable visits to the Pierce Farm (The Five Star Arabian Ranch) in North Moorhead where every weekend there was food and seasonal activities. Joan loved her many early trips to Clearwater, Florida while growing up and into her later years with Peter and their children. Joan attended the University of ND in Grand Forks for 2 years and then transferred to NDSU in Fargo where she met her future husband, Peter. Joan married Peter Lazorenko on June 6th, 1959 in the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Moorhead, MN. Shortly afterwards, they made their home in Waterloo, lowa where Peter worked for John Deere at their research center in Cedar Falls, lowa. While in Waterloo, Peter and Joan's two children, Donald and Karen were adopted.

In 2021 Donald was united with his biological parents (now married) and 2 siblings. In 2023 Karen was united with her biological dad which included his wife of 55 years and 3 siblings.

Peter and Joan later moved back to Moorhead and then to Grand Forks for 20 years where they managed the Columbia Heights manufactured home community for her father Loren Pierce of Pierce Properties. Upon retirement Peter and Joan moved back to rural Moorhead in 1992 where Peter maintained Joan's parents property and assisted in the family business. While in the Fargo-Moorhead area, Joan enjoyed working for the YMCA childcare centers as a substitute for 20 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother as well as a devoted friend to all who knew her. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Moorhead and the First Methodist Church in Fargo where she sang in the choir. Joan was a member of the PEO Sisterhood for many years, both in Grand Forks and Fargo. She was also an active member in the Fargo-Moorhead area Music Club. She is survived by her two children Don Lazorenko and Karen Noll, three grandchildren Paige Lazorenko, Tylor Noll, and Brannon Noll and one great grandchild Magnolia Noll as well as two brothers Carl and Richard. She was preceded in death by her husband Peter in 2010 and her parents Loren (2006) and Catherine (2008) Pierce.

No formal services are scheduled at this time.