Joan Dorothy Matteri

Joan Dorothy (Thompson) Noah-Matteri, 88, of Detroit Lakes, passed away Monday, April 17, 2023 at Oak Crossing where she had most recently been residing.

She was born in Crookston, MN on October 27, 1934, a daughter of the late Joseph G. and Dorothy (Cowles) Thompson.  Joan attended area schools and went on to marry Douglas “Doc” Noah.  Together, they raised seven children, making their home in Detroit Lakes.

Joan was a longtime Mary Kay beauty consultant and enjoyed much success in her field.  She later became a successful real estate agent in Moorhead, MN.  She later married Ron Matteri and moved to Springdale, Arkansas.  There, she started a mapping company and began writing poetry.  She also published a children’s book, called Wonnie Wyford Volkswagen Village.

In 2015, Joan moved back to Detroit Lakes, MN to live out her “golden years”.  She enjoyed playing cards and games, B-I-N-G-O and singing Karaoke.  Joan loved Elvis, and her favorite song to sing was “Going to Kansas City”.  She will be deeply missed.

Joan is survived by her children: Betty Sieling of Chanhassen, MN, Lynn (fiancée Brad Cook) of Detroit Lakes, MN, Michael (Pam) Noah of Detroit Lakes, Danell (Dan) Melhus of Harrisonville, MO, Larry (Marci) Noah of Detroit Lakes, MN, Joann Benson of Springdale, AR and David (Deanna) Noah of Detroit Lakes, MN.  She also leaves 19 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband, Doc, her brother, Joseph Thompson, Jr. and her granddaughter, Dana Christine Melhus.

The visitation for Joan will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 3 to 4 PM at the DAVID-DONEHOWER FUNERAL HOME (609 US HWY 10 E., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501).  A funeral service will follow at 4 PM with Chaplain Kurt Jacobson officiating.  Final rest will be in St. Mary’s Assumption Cemetery in Callaway.

The family sends special thanks to the staffs of Winchester, Lincoln Park, Oak Crossing Nursing Home and Hospice of the Red River Valley for their kind and compassionate care of Joan.