Joan Plekkenpol passed away peacefully on November 17, 2015 at the age of 83. She was a dedicate wife, loving mother and wonderful grandma. Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 11:00 AM with visitation two hours prior at the Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne (St. Mark’s Church) in Shakopee. Joan’s grandsons will act as pallbearers, and she will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

On June 24, 1932 Leonard and Regina Mechtel celebrated the birth of their daughter, Joan Caroline. She grew up on the family farm with seven siblings. Joan had a fun loving spirit and thoroughly enjoyed life. She was even a bit mischievous as a girl. She shared a room with her sister Myrt, and they were always doing something silly together.

As a young woman, Joan enjoyed attending local dances. It was at a dance at the Carver Ball Room that Joan met Paul Plekkenpol. It was instant love, and the two exchanged wedding vows on January 27^th, 1951 at St. Mark’s in Shakopee. They settled in Shakopee to raise their family and were blessed with five wonderful children, Craig, Diana, Gwenn, Linda and David.

As a family they would spend every Sunday back at the farm visiting Joan’s parents. They also enjoyed trips up north and spent a lot of time at their cabin on Prior Lake. Family was the most important thing in Joan’s life, and she loved when everyone was together. So when Paul and Joan learned that their son David was deaf and needed to attend the Hearing Society School in Minneapolis, the entire family moved to Minneapolis with him.

Joan had developed a strong work ethic and determined spirit that served her well throughout life. It allowed her to tackle any challenge that came her way. She taught her son how to talk, and with lots of hard work, David was eventually able to attend public school. Paul and Joan were thrilled to move back to the suburbs and be closer to family. They renovated their cabin in Prior Lake and made that their permanent home.

As the kids grew older, Joan began her career. She started doing oil colorings to enhance photographs. She later transitioned into doing alterations out of their home. She had learned to sew at a very young age and always had an interest in fashion. This eventually led to Joan opening her own bridal and formal wear store, Joan’s Bridal. She was very talented and made many beautiful gowns for more than 20 years before retiring.

In retirement, Joan spent a lot of time with family. She and Paul enjoyed fishing, dancing, playing cards and traveling together. They especially enjoyed their trips to Mexico, Hawaii and Las Vegas. Joan also took a very memorable “girls trip” to Florida with her daughters and granddaughters, and they all went swimming with dolphins. Community service was also very important in Joan’s life. She volunteered and was involved in the Eagle’s Club, VFW and American Legion.

The past few years were trying for Joan, but she never lost faith and always had a positive outlook. She was very independent and even with her declining health, she still made sure everyone else was taken care of. Joan passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side.

Joan was a lovely lady who was beautiful inside and out. She will be remembered by her children, Craig (Judy) Plekkenpol, Diana (Cliff) Cracauer, Gwenn (Myron) Will, Linda (Jim) Theis; grandchildren, Travis (Chris), Tana (Pat), Joe (Tiffany), Cliff III (Heather), Dave (Anita), Chris (Patti), Crystal, Quentin (Michelle), Justin (Melissa), Erin (David), Brianna (Michael) and Lilly; 32 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rena Smith and Rosie (Vernon) Hartman; sisters-in-law, Beatrice Mechtel and Carol Mechtel; brother-in-law, Marv Williams; other loving relatives and friends.

Joan will be greeted in Heaven by her husband, Paul Plekkenpol; son, David Plekkenpol; parents, Leonard and Regina Mechtel; great-grandson, John Plekkenpol; siblings, Arvilla (Harlan) Liebhardt, Myron Mechtel, Jan (Maryann) Mechtel, Richard Mechtel and Myrt Williams; brother-in-law, Dean Smith.

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