Joan M. Johnson passed away on December 8, 2024 after a short struggle with cancer. A memorial service is being planned for the spring to celebrate her life. She was born to Douglas and Tracy Vandegrift on August 12, 1947 in Albert Lea, MN. She grew up on a dairy farm and was no stranger to hard work. She attended school in Albert Lea, graduating in 1965, and continued her education at Austin Community College followed by Mankato State University.

Joan Johnson

Joan met her husband, Lowell, while he and his father farmed the land her father owned. They were married on Mar 18, 1966, and they shared over 58 great years supporting each other in all aspects of their lives. She spent most of her life in Southern Minnesota but spent several years in Arizona. She worked as an administrative assistant in several organizations, including the YMCA, WilTel and Blue Earth County Public Works.

Joan enjoyed attending fairs, threshing bees, car shows, and draft horse shows, with the Owatonna fair being one of her favorite events to attend. She even had an adventurous streak, including motorcycle riding, weekends in the sand dunes, hot air balloons, and an attempt at hang gliding. She was a kind and gentle person, always striving for everyone to find common ground and get along, and had an unwavering trust in the Lord and belief in the power of prayer.

Everyone who knew her knew how much she loved her kids, and that she had a special place in her heart for every one of her grandchildren. Whenever a conversation would come up regarding any one of them, she had a story (or several stories) she treasured about that particular grandchild.

She was predeceased by her parents, and is survived by her loving husband, Lowell, their sons Greg (and Becky) Johnson and Dan (and Michelle) Johnson, grandchildren Nicholas, Caitlin, Landon, Sydney, Cori, Trevor and Alyssa, and siblings Nancy Hughes, Carol (and Steve) Goette, Judy (and John) Westrum, Pat (and Steve) Preston, Kent Vandegrift and Diane (and Eric) Martineau, and an amazing extended family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church or social support organization of choice.