Joanne Shirley (Dimitch) Haire, age 89, of Breckenridge, MN, passed at her home, surrounded by her family and loved ones, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, May 11, 2025, with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m., at Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, May 12, 2025, with a visitation beginning at 9 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge. Father Leo Moenkedick and Father Dale Lagodinski will be officiating the services. Burial will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Kent, MN. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.
Joanne was born on June 13, 1935, to Mayne and Edith (Stadick) Dimitch. She grew up in Royalton, MN, until the age of 14 when her family moved to Plaza, North Dakota. After graduating from Plaza High School in 1953, she pursued her passion for teaching at Minot State Teacher’s College. Her career began in Lund District rural school for two years. On October 29, 1959, Joanne was united in marriage to Jerome Haire Jr., at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Kent, MN. They lived in McCauleyville, MN, and were blessed with nine children. Jerome went to be with the Lord on November 14, 2001. Joanne moved to Breckenridge a year later.
Her commitment to family life and education continued as she served as a Natural Family Planning instructor for 18 years, guiding families with care and wisdom. She was deeply involved with the church in Kent and spent 23 years teaching religious education at St. Thomas, instilling values of faith and compassion in her students. Her presence in the church community reflected her deep commitment to her faith and her love of sharing the teachings that would help guide others. Joanne also worked as a Case Aide in Social Services for St. Francis Medical Center in Breckenridge.
Joanne found joy in embroidering, creating warm fleece blankets, and had a special gift for bringing people together, whether it was through heartfelt card sets, visiting shut-ins, or lovingly babysitting her grandchildren. Family celebrations and ball games were cherished in her heart, and she welcomed every opportunity to make memories with her loved ones.
Her service to the community continued as she helped found Compassionate Friends in Breckenridge, a support group that brought together individuals impacted by death. Her compassion extended as she became a dedicated member of Citizens for Life in 1976 and a hospice volunteer for 12 years.
Joanne’s legacy is one of warmth, love, and service. She will be remembered not only for her professional dedication but also for her tender spirit and the countless lives she touched while on her journey here.
Joanne will be deeply missed by her loving children, Jim (deceased) (Mary Jo Haire) Haire, Jane (Rollie) Golay, Bill Haire, Mary (Cam) McCullough, Barb (Matt) Bear, Ann (Brian) Bandemer, Tom (Christy) Haire, Brian Haire, and Steve (Amanda) Haire; 25 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings, Kay Edner and Donna Edner; sisters-in-law, Carol Haire and Joan Haire; and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerome Haire; son, Jim Haire; brothers, Gary and Dick Dimitch; and grandchild, Samuel Haire.
The family of Joanne Haire would like to give a special recognition to CHI-Health at Home and Hospice, Breckenridge, for their incredible care and guidance during their time of need.
In lieu of flowers, the family will donate all monetary memorials to local charities.
