Joann Lois (Nordby) Preston was born of parents Lewis & Leona (Fabian) Nordby on June 8, 1937 being delivered by a midwife in Barrett MN. Joann was baptized as an infant & confirmed in the Elbow Lake MN Lutheran church. She graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1955 where she was active in choir, band & other activities. Shortly later she completed the medical technology program of the Minnesota School of Business. She worked for many years at the information desk & other departments of Hennepin County General Hospital. Joann married Dennis Preston in 1962 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis where they were members for many years. Daughter, Jeanne, was born in 1969. Moving to Bemidji Mn in 1974, Joann & Dennis were members of the First Lutheran Church where Joann sang in the senior choir & was a Stephen minister. Joann sang with the Bemidji Sweet Adelines, managed a 72 unit apartment complex & also worked for the Bemidji school district for many years. Following retirement in 1999, they moved to Las Vegas NV where Joann was very active in the senior community where they resided. Joann loved singing with the senior choir at St Andrew Lutheran Church for about 10 years. Her & Dennis gained many wonderful friends as members of St Andrew, as well as the community where they resided. Diagnosed with a very rare cancer in 2007, Joann underwent many surgeries & treatments in Las Vegas. In 2009, a move was made to Burnsville MN for more extensive treatment & family support. Joann loved the Lord & everyone. She was dearly loved by everyone that knew her. Since the move from Las Vegas, they have attended the Community of The Cross Lutheran Church in Bloomington MN. Joann was peacefully called to her Eternal Father on August 28, 2010. Survived by her husband of 48 years, Dennis, daughter Jeanne Preston, step-daughter DeAnn (Edward) Wiebe, brothers Richard (Marlyce) Nordby of North Mankato MN & Ronald (Carlyn) Nordby of Willmar MN. Four grandchildren: Tracy, Jodi, Stephen & Matthew as well as many nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts & cousins. She loved each & every one of them. Burial was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on September 2, 2010. Memorial service will be at the Community of the Cross Lutheran Church, 10701 Bloomington Ferry Road, Bloomington MN 55438 (Ph # 952-941-1247) on September 11, 2010 at 11:30 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM. Lunch will be served following the service.