Joan Durand Obituary

Joan Durand, 89, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Avantara in Milbank.

There will be no formal services.

Joan Linkswiler was born on December 11, 1934, to Gilbert and Dorothy (McClaren) Linkswiler in Fort Benning, GA. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Her family moved frequently due to her father’s job, and she graduated in 1952 from high school in Rapid City, SD. The family relocated to Karlsruhe, Germany for a short time before returning to the United States. After returning to the states, Joan attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, and graduated with a degree in Medical Technology in 1957. After her education she moved to Colorado Springs, CO., where she worked at Glorkner-Penrose Hospital for one year before moving back to Rapid City where she worked at St. John McNamara Hospital. 

Joan married David “Dave” Durand on June 8, 1962, in Rapid City. David’s job required frequent moves, and the couple lived in various locations across the United States, rarely staying in one place for more than a year. They lived in Kodiak Island, AK, from 1970 until 1975, before moving to Minneapolis, MN, where they lived for 29 years. In 2004, they relocated to Milbank, SD.

Joan was passionate about gardening and became a master gardener. She loved reading and studying about gardening throughout her life. She also enjoyed genealogy. 

Joan is survived by her husband, David “Dave” Durand of Milbank, SD; one sister, Dorothy “DeeDee” Forrette of Sisseton, SD; one brother, Gilbert (Wendy) Linkswiler of Plantation, FL; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Gilbert and Dorothy, her sister, Patricia Henson, and brother-in-law, James Forrette.