Memorial trees planted for:

Joan Carol Halvorson

Joan Halvorson, a longtime resident of Northfield, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025. She was born on July 9, 1931, in Shakopee, Minnesota, to Emma Krueger and Ralph Warner. The family later moved to Saint Peter, where Joan graduated from high school. She continued her education at Gustavus Adolphus College, where she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority and studied Music and English, laying the foundation for her future career in music education. In 1953, Joan married Dr. David Cecil Halvorson, the love of her life. Together, they raised their four children (Mark, Eric, Kari and Lisa) in Northfield, where Joan dedicated herself to both her family and her community. She served as the Director of St. John’s Choral Choir, taught piano, and was a soloist at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, as well as a member of several choirs throughout her life. Joan’s love for her community was reflected in the many ways she served others. A trained Stephen Minister, she led this peer counseling program at St. John’s Church, offering support and comfort to individuals going through difficult times. As a Master Gardener, Joan took great joy in cultivating beautiful gardens, with a particular fondness for roses—a hobby she shared with David that brought beauty to their home and joy to all who visited. Joan and David were also actively involved in the Northfield Arts Guild. Joan co-authored a cookbook with Ruthanna Miller and Connie Gunderson to support the Guild, which eventually led to a successful catering business that the three women operated for many years, delighting clients with their culinary skills and love of food. Joan’s passion for cooking took her on many memorable adventures, including several trips to the South of France, where she honed her skills in French cuisine—her favorite culinary style. For many years, Joan gathered monthly with friends for Bridge Club, she was known as the Mother Superior to the “Bridge Mesdames” bringing competition and camaraderie to the game and enjoying the bonds of friendship that made each gathering special. The Halvorson family treasured their summers at their cabin on French Lake, where they created lasting memories and traditions, from sailing and fishing to the annual 4th of July Talent Show and bonfires with neighbors. The cabin holds a special place in the hearts of all who visited. In their later years, Joan and David became “snowbirds,” spending winters in South Padre Island, Texas, where they made lifelong friends and mixing margaritas. Above all, Joan’s greatest joy was her family. She and David were unwavering supporters of their children and grandchildren, attending music performances, sports games, ski races, and countless other events, always emphasizing the importance of family and tradition. Joan’s legacy lives on in her children & grandchildren, who continue to embody her spirit of love and involvement in their own communities. Joan is preceded in death by her sisters, Lois and Marjorie Warner, and her husband, Dr. David Halvorson. She is survived by her children: Mark Halvorson (Mindy), Eric (Anne-Mette) Halvorson, Kari (Mark) Pendergast, and Lisa Silkey; and her nine grandchildren: Kirsten (Chris), Bjorn (Anna) and Peter Halvorson, Emma (Luke) and Anna Silkey, Marta, Annika and Sonja Pendergast, and Lily Halvorson. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and family who have supported them over the years, as well as to the compassionate staff at Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington and Abbott Northwestern Hospital for their care during Joan’s final days. A Celebration of Joan's Life will be held at 10:30AM on Wednesday, January 8 at the St. John's Lutheran Church of Northfield, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30. In Joan’s memory, the family would appreciate any memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church (stjohnsnorthfield.org).

July 9, 1931 - January 1, 2025

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13 Trees have been planted in memory of Joan Halvorson.

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Memorial Trees

The Ellen and Brian George Family

April 30, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Joan Carol Halvorson has been arranged by The Ellen and Brian George Family. Plant a tree

Sending you lots of love! We hope you find peace (and joy!) in all of your memories of Joan! XXOO

Mary Jon Olinger

January 07, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Joan Carol Halvorson has been arranged by Mary Jon Olinger. Plant a tree

My deepest sympathies for your loss. Such a truly Amazing woman!

John & Tracy Fossum

January 07, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Joan Carol Halvorson has been arranged by John & Tracy Fossum. Plant a tree

Very sorry to lose Joan, she was a big part of our lives

Dave Oslund

January 04, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Joan Carol Halvorson has been arranged by Dave Oslund. Plant a tree

My prayers are with two of my Manitou brothers and two of my Manitou sisters for the loss of one my my three Manitou mothers. Joan is a terrific lady

Anonymous

January 04, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Joan Carol Halvorson has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Anonymous

January 03, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Joan Carol Halvorson has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Lisa and Steve Petricka

January 02, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Joan Carol Halvorson has been arranged by Lisa and Steve Petricka. Plant a tree

Joan was a classy and beautiful lady.Was an honor to have met her.