Obituary
Deanna Lee Stamnes
Deanna Lee (Harrell) Stamnes, 79, of Holmen, WI (formerly Lisbon, ND), passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023 at Riverside Nursing Home in La Crosse, WI, with family by her side.
She was born on November 27, 1943 to Edgar and Helen (Korp) Harrell. She married William Hall on July 20, 1963 in Buchanan, MI, and they had three children together. That marriage ended in divorce. She later married Harry Stamnes on February 26, 1978 in Lisbon, ND.
She owned and operated a home daycare business and she truly loved all the children she cared for, many of whom became lifelong friends. She closed her daycare business in 2001. She was then employed in the administrative offices at NDSU Center For Child Development in Fargo, ND, until her retirement in 2006.
Her greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. She shared a very special bond with her only grandchild, Caleb. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, playing games, music, gardening, reading, and attending concerts and plays.
Deanna is survived by sons Gary Hall of Woodbury, MN, Robert Hall of Healdsburg, CA, and daughter Tricia (Daniel) Dissmore of Holmen, WI, grandson Caleb Dissmore, sisters Linda (Claude) Claflin of Del Rio, TX, and Wanda Mendenhall of Alamogordo, NM, many nieces and nephews, and honorary family members Samantha (Seelig) Coykendall and Jayce Seelig.
She was preceded in death by her husband Harry, father Edgar, mother Helen, and sisters Julie Mendenhall and Janie Yeater.
The family would like to thank Riverside Nursing Home and Gundersen Hospice for taking such great care of our mother.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to NDSU Center For Child Development.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Lisbon, ND. Further details will be posted when available.
Deanna was my mom’s roommate for a brief time at Riverside. She was so patient, loving and kind to my mom. What an angel. So sorry for your loss.
Hi Tricia and family,
As you know, I took care of your mom while she was at Hearten House – both of them. I spent many days with Deanna, especially during the initial COVID crisis when longer shifts/more days a week were necessary. Working in long-term care, residents become like family to me, but Deanna and I had a special bond like no other resident has. We became especially close during COVID when the building was “locked down” and during the infamous move to HH in La Crosse. I saw Deanna when families couldn’t visit. I spent more time with her than my own family for awhile. I will forever cherish those days though. We helped each other get through that difficult time. She always asked if I had eaten and taken a break. If I hadn’t, she’d scold me and tell me to go take one ? She was a true caregiver and it showed every day.
A few memories that have stuck with me since I left that facility are:
Her trying to sneak me Lindor chocolates. I think of her every time I have one ?
I always worked on her bath day, and if I didn’t, she’d usually wait until I worked again to take it. Whay was supposed to take 15-20 minutes, we turned into an hour. I would play music and we’d sing along, and of course made sure there were enough bubbles! Her favorite to sing was “Take me home, country roads”. Every time I hear it, I smile, remembering our off-key spa karaoke ?
She asked EVERY morning how my children were doing. That meant a lot to me. Again, she was such a caring person. A natural caregiver!
I am so very grateful that I got to be a part of your mom’s life for those couple years. Writing this has brought tears but smiles as well ?
With love and deepest sympathy,
Beth