Zoanne Oliphant

Zoanne Parker Oliphant, age 94, died on Friday, January 18, 2019, at Madonna Towers in Rochester. Zoanne was born June 17, 1924 to Will T. and Louise (Study) Parker in Winona, Minn. She attended schools in Benton Harbor, Mich. and graduated from Upper Arlington High School in Columbus, Ohio. She then attended Trinity University and graduated from Draughon's College in San Antonio, Texas where she worked as the Administrative Secretary at the San Antonio-Bexar County Hospital system and taught ballroom dance. Zoanne married Donald P. Oliphant on April 21, 1947. Donald was a local Real Estate Broker, Appraiser, and former owner of Realty Place in Rochester. Zoanne later graduated from Rochester Community College and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Fraternity. She earned a B.A. Degree Summa Cum Laude from Winona State University and belonged to Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society. She was a charter member of the Rochester Alumni Chapter of Winona State University. Zoanne worked as a Medical Secretary at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Staff Teacher for the Reading Center/Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota, Facilitator/Leader for the Minnesota Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities, private tutor for Rochester Community College, certified tutor for English as a Second Language and a volunteer in Education. Zoanne was a member of Homestead United Methodist Church, where she was past Trustee and participated in Naomi and Martha Circles. She served as President of the United Methodist Women, Church Women United, World Federation of Methodist Women and Christian Women's Club. Zoanne also was a member of Friends of Mayowood Residence, Methodist Hospital Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, American Red Cross Gray Ladies, League of Women Voters, Heritage Associates, Rochester Apartment Association, and was on the Board of Directors of Widowed Persons' Service. Throughout their marriage, Zoanne and her husband shared a love of big band music and dancing, as well as their dogs. Zoanne also enjoyed traveling and entertaining. Zoanne is survived by her children Luanne P. Laurents (Dallas) of St Paul and Will J. Oliphant (Lori) of Rochester and five grandchildren: Devon Laurents of St. Paul, Brett Laurents of Philadelphia, PA and Samuel Oliphant, Abigail Oliphant and Michael Oliphant, all of Rochester. She also is survived by her sister, Nancy J. MacGregor (Richard) of Columbus, Ohio. Zoanne was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 29, 1989, her parents and close friend, Wayne Marx. The family appreciates the care provided to Zoanne by the staff of Madonna Towers Memory Care. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Paws and Claws Humane Society, Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's/Dementia Research Center or the American Legion. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at Madonna Towers, 4001 19th Ave NW, Rochester MN, 55901. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Madonna Towers. The burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester MN, 55901. To share a special memory please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com