JoAnn was a nursing assistant at nursing homes, and retired in 2005. She was an airplane pilot, acquiring her license in the 1970s. She also taught aerobics. She and Tom shared a passion for classic cars.

Tom and JoAnn lived in Fargo, ND. Tom joined the famly business, Reger Electric, and became a master electrician at the age of 24. He and his brother bought the business in 1981, and sold it in 1985. Tom then owned and operated West City Electric and was an independent contractor for a period, before retiring in 1995.