Joanne M. Stark
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On May 10, 2022 @ 10:32 am In 2022,Obituaries | 21 Comments
Joanne Margaret (Hafner) Stark, age 77 went home to her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 7th, 2022.
A Christian Funeral will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 11AM with a visitation two hours prior all at Immanuel Lutheran on Fish Lake, 20200 Fairlawn Ave. SE, Prior Lake. Joanne will be laid to rest at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Prior Lake with Dr. Rev. Brent Parrish presiding.
Joanne was born at home in the parsonage of Christ Lutheran Church in Eagan, Minnesota on June 2, 1944 and soon after baptized into her Christian faith. She was the second of four children born to the Rev. Herbert J and Margaret Johanna (Fiess) Hafner. In December of 1949, Joanne moved to Prior Lake, Minnesota where her father had accepted a call to be the pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Joanne attended the Christian day school at Immanuel with her mother as the teacher. Little did she know that one of the other students, Jerry Stark, would eventually become her husband.
Joanne graduated from Cadillac High School in Michigan in 1962, then heading off to Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska for a year. She soon concluded that teaching was not her calling and decided to begin nursing school at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne Indiana. She often spoke of the very practical, hands-on nurses training she received, working in the hospital from the day one, preparing the students for the rigors of hospital work upon graduation. Joanne often reminisced about her summer college jobs, working as a cook for a wealthy family in Leland, Michigan, and waitressing at the Denver Press Club. In 1967, she and two college friends took jobs at the University of Minnesota hospital in Minneapolis. After moving to Minneapolis, Joanne reconnected with her grade school friend Sharon Fehlandt Rook, who promptly set her up on a blind date with one of their old grade school classmates, Jerry Stark. Joanne cautiously agreed to the setup, vaguely remembering quiet Jerry. But, in no time, these two love birds began their journey together, marrying just a year later, on December 30, 1968.
On September 5, 1969, Joanne and Jerry were blessed with their first daughter, Gretchen Marie Stark. Soon after, they built a new house in Prior Lake next door to Jerry’s parents. On September 14, 1972, along came their second daughter, Jenna Joanne Stark. Joanne then transferred to a part-time nursing job at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina. She and Jerry were members at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, where she sang in the choir, taught mid-week religion classes, and started a junior high youth group. She was also very passionate about helping people with nutrition through her Shaklee business. Her background in medicine combined with her passion for nutrition really allowed her to help so many people-a true source of joy in her life.
Those who knew Joanne knew she loved people. When she met you, she really wanted to get to know you. She took the time to listen, really listen when people talked to her. Not just the surface things, but really hear about your experiences, your troubles and your joys and understand you. People often jokingly referred to her as “Barbara Walters”. She was just that person that you could always reach out to because she always had the right things to say. She always had an ear to listen without judgement. She never seemed to dwell on the negative but rather look forward. Her positive attitude was infectious.
Joanne’s dedication to her family and faith were always her top priority. A nurturing mother, raising her girls with a joyful spirit, thoughtful guidance, and compassion. A proud grandmother of five, watching them grow and sharing in their interests. And, a loving wife, treasuring 53 years of marriage to Jerry, the love of her life. The two enjoyed many travel adventures together after their retirement.
Joanne is deeply missed by her husband, Jerry; children, Gretchen (Dan) Cundiff, Jenna (Jason “JB”) Brown; grandchildren, Ehren, Christian, Annaliese, Elsie, Ethan; brothers, John (Gayle) Hafner, Paul (Elizabeth) Hafner; sister, Lois Hafner; many other loving relatives and friends. She is greeted in Heaven by her parents, Herbert and Margaret.
Offer Condolence for the family of Joanne M. Stark
Print Obituary & Condolences Condolences for the family of “Joanne M. Stark”
Joanne was one of the most positive and most congenial persons I have ever known. Her Christian example was a blessing to many. Although she is gone, her example and memory will live in my heart forever. Her family is in my prayers.
No words can express the sadness I feel at your loss. Joanne was such a special, tender hearted lady who cared deeply for her family and friends. My prayers go out to you in your time of sorrow and may God comfort you as only He can do.
My name is Brandy and I have had the honor of doing Joanne’s hair for the past several years. Joanne was one of the sweetest people I’ve known! Her love for her family and friends was never ending. Sending you all love and prayers as you navigate her passing. She will truly be missed and is beyond loved!
Jerry and family so sorry for your loss. God be with and give you peace
To the entire Stark family,
My heart hurts for your loss. Joanne was a very special lady. I can hear her laugh, her “do you see what I’m saying” phrase among others! She has left a huge void.
Find comfort and hope knowing she now has eternal life with the Lord.
To Jerry and Gretchen and Jenna and your families-Muriel- Gene and your children- you have my deepest and heartfelt sympathies!!! Joanne was truly one of a kind!!! She was absolutely larger than life and always had time and took time to talk to and connect with people!! When I am sad and in shock over her death- I can hear her voice in my head telling me not to worry- that she is fine and to remember the work God has given us all on this earth to share the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ!! I thank and praise my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the life of my friend Joanne!!✝️
Joanne was my hostmother in 1984/85 and she and her whole family made me feel at home in Prior Lake right from the first moment I entered their house. I have wonderful memories and we often talked until midnight. I will always keep her in my heart and I wished I could be there to attend her funeral.
We are so sorry for your loss. Your mom was the nicest and always made sure to include us in the okaboji family updates. We are praying and sending love to your family.
I attended Cadillac HS only my senior year, but became friends with Joanne right away. With my dad being a pastor and her dad a pastor, we were often mixed up with people since I was JoEllyn and she Joanne.. both the preachers ‘ kids.
I am sorry for your loss.
Just now learned of Joanne’s passing. Sending so much love to all of you. Joanne’s energy and presence made a lasting impression on me long ago when I met her. And she raised two of my favorite old friends. Her sparkle lives on in her lovely family and in her spirit. Wishing you comfort as you remember and release her. Much love,
Shylan
We are so osrry for your loss. Joanne will be dearly missed. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Sending you lots of love, prayers and hugs. God bless, Tim and Bev Ostertag
Words cannot express the sadness I feel and being I cannot attend the funeral, I am at a loss to imagine the void she leaves ! My deepest sympathies go out to Jerry and family!
John, Gayle and family
So sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you comfort and peace that she is in a much better place.
Thank you for your heart felt message.
Joanne and I were friends in high school. Meeting in the 9th grade. We had some of my fondest memories of Cadillac, Mi. We would always catch up with our lives at school reunions. My heart is sad for Jerry and her family. She will be missed by all who knew her and God now has a new angel to praise his glorious name I will miss you dear old friend. God speed you to Him. Cheryl Shafer Moutsatson
To Jerry, Jenna and Gretchen and your families: I am so sorry to hear about Joanne’s passing! Each time I came to visit you in the States I always spent a few wonderful days at Jerry and Joanne’s. I enjoyed Joanne’s attentive listening and still admire her positive attitude. I have just looked at the pictures I took of her during the last stay in Mn: there she is standing looking into the camera with her absolutely positive attitude. Christian and my deepest sympathies go to you and your families! Love,
Mareike (and Christian) from Germany
Dear Stark Family – Incredible service today – thank you for that, a testament to your care and to the excellent human being you called wife, mom, grandma. I’ve come to understand in my limited experience, that those who impact others most also leave the biggest feeling of loss in those hearts when they leave our presence. It is cliche to say that their contribution to our lives never leaves us…but I suppose it is true and there is comfort in that along with the promise of reunion one day. We were a tight knit bunch for a precious time long ago. Many, many memories of joy, work and care with Joanne. I had many occasions to speak with her regarding important things growing up and appreciated the ability to do so and the advice received. On the lighter side, I’ll forever know my “color chart” color because of Joanne and I think it was joanne that tought me the unique back rub technique that I have employed countless times! In closing, like so many others, Joanne had an impact on me, I feel the loss, knowing she is not present on earth anymore. I wish God’s heart-healing strength for all of you.
Liebe Jenna, dear Jerry and Gretchen,
die Nachricht von Joannes Tod hat uns sehr betroffen gemacht. Wie traurig ist es, dass ihr die Herz OP nicht helfen konnte. Wir sind froh, dass wir sie kennenlernen durften. Marco und Irmela, wir erinnern uns gern an unser Treffen 1990, als Jerry und Joanne Jenna in Bremen als Austauschschülerin besuchten. Gerade haben wir die Fotos von der Reise in die Provence in Südfrankreich nochmal angeschaut und uns sehr gerne an die schöne Zeit erinnert. Ich, Annika, erinnere mich an das tolle Weihnachtsfest 2012, dass ich bei euch im Wohnzimmer in schöner Erinnerung behalten werde. Dankbar sind wir für das Wiedersehen im Sommer 2015 anlässlich der Silberhochzeitsreise nach Montana. Wir behalten sie als besonders lebensfroh und immer interessiert an ihren Mitmenschen in Erinnerung.
Wir wünschen euch, dass die gute Erinnerung an Joanne euch Kraft gibt in dieser schwierigen Zeit.
Wenn ich im Sommer euch besuchen komme, werde ich noch einige Fotos mitbringen.
We wish you a lot of strength in this difficult time.
Marco, Irmela, Annika, Johannes and Tabea from Hamburg, Germany.
We are shocked and saddened by this news. We loved Joanne and know she has a seat next to our Lord. We are blessed to have known this beautiful gal.
My heart goes out to your family. I worked with Joanne for many years in the float pool at Fairview Southdale. She was one of a kind and always had the best stories. She will be so missed.
Click here to print.
Article printed from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
URL to article: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com/joanne-m-stark/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2015 Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. All rights reserved.
We’re so sorry to hear about Joanne’s passing. She was always so kind and thoughtful. It’s been many years since I’ve seen her, but I remember her fondly.