Joanne Mangels

Joanne Mangels

Joanne Inez Ferris Mangels, 76, of Polson, went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 4th, 2012. Her passing was of natural causes.Joanne was born in Los Angeles on August 1oth, 1935 to Wilson and Inez Ferris, and grew up in Glendale, California. She attended college and nursing school, and enjoyed sailing and square dancing. While at a square dance in 1964, she met Walter Gilbert Mangels, and the two were married the following Valentine’s Day, and later moved to Polson, Montana.

Extraordinarily selfless, Joanne served the Flathead Valley community in numerous ways. She was a volunteer EMT and blood donor; worked as a census taker for five decades; was active in the Mormon church as a compassionate service leader; was a staunch advocate for the unborn; and was a patriotic supporter of the Constitution of the United States. She performed as a flutist at events, and enjoyed crocheting, quilting, and genealogy. A member of Daughters of the American Revolution and MENSA, Joanne had a quick wit and loved puns.

In 1984, with her husband, she co-founded the Miracle of America Museum. Joanne’s community service is now echoed by the charitable works of her family, creating a legacy of love.Joanne is survived by her husband, Gil Mangels in Polson; son Ronald Mangels in Houma, Louisiana; daughter Cathleen Wilde in Orem, Utah; son Andrew Mangels in Portland, Oregon; sister Donna Rickard in Lake Forest, California; eleven grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Drs. Smith and Mitchell and the staff of St. Joseph’s, Heather Dawson of Lake County Hospice, and to all who have been a loving part of Joanne’s life. Cremation was by Shrider-Thompson of Ronan. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, August 9th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Polson. At 7:30pm that evening, a community remembrance and sharing will be held at the Miracle of America Museum on Memory Lane off Highway 93. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Museum Endowment Fund.