Joan Berdahl

Joan Emmalyn (Loken) Berdahl, 72, the best hand-holder in the world, a dedicated wife, loving mother, tenderhearted grandmother, caring sibling, steadfast friend, and a good and faithful servant, passed away on January 12, 2025. Surrounded by her family, she took her last breath and a slow exhale, shedding the shackles of a mind that had failed her and a body that was failing her. As the family recited the Lord’s Prayer together, her grimace softened, and Joan’s natural beauty returned. The peace on her face was her final and yet another everlasting gift to her loved ones.

Joan and her loving husband, Alan, made a wonderful team. Perhaps it was their shared love of music that bonded them so tightly, or maybe their mutual devotion to the Minnesota Twins. Like many in the family, some of Joan’s fondest memories were at Pickerel Lake, where she grew up with her cousins and siblings in the cabin her mother built with her own hands. Later in life, she and Alan shared a cabin there, where Joan was even known to innertube behind the boat. The couple cherished traveling with family and friends and spent many weekends joyfully watching their beloved grandchildren, Tommy (17) and Anabel (14), play hockey.

Though she was smart—really smart—the story was never about her. Joan was an encourager at heart, which is why she was such a wonderful nurse. Having a mom who was a nurse was the best of all worlds for her two boys, John and Jim. Whenever life threw bumps and scrapes their way, a bit of hydrogen peroxide and a hug from Joan could heal both body and soul. Much of her career was spent as a rehab nurse at Sioux Valley, where she formed deep and long-lasting relationships while helping people recover from life’s most difficult calamities.

Joan’s greatest joy came from her deep faith, nurtured by her father, Palmer (a pastor), and her mother, Annabelle (a nurse). She was active in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, MN, until she and Alan moved to Sioux Falls, where they became active members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Joan sang in the choir, rocked babies, played pickleball, and volunteered regularly. Perhaps her most admirable quality was her instinctive ability to seek out the least among us, never seeking recognition. She read to the blind, fed those with Alzheimer’s, and naturally gravitated toward anyone feeling lonely in a room. In her final days, she was surrounded by the same generous love she had so freely given.

Born in Canton, SD, Joan grew up in Bode, IA; Duncombe/Vincent, IA; and Sheffield, IA, where she graduated from high school. She earned her degree from Augustana College and lived in Garretson, SD; Pipestone, MN; and Hills, MN, before ultimately settling in Sioux Falls.

Joan was the best-behaved of “The Five J’s” — John, Judy, Joan, Jana, and Jeff — and delighted in the unconditional love shared among her siblings. She raised a family that loves each other, does not judge, and is always ready to support one another. She especially delighted in her two daughters-in-law, Tamme and Michelle, and she recognized the blessing of her family, loving each member as they were created—an imperfect reflection of our Heavenly Father.

Her pineapple oatmeal cookies were made with the same ingredients legends are made of. These cherished treats (and their closely guarded recipe) will be available at the visitation on Thursday, January 16,2025, from 5–7 PM, and the memorial service on Friday, January 17,2025, at 10:00 AM. Both events will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Memorials may be given to Gloria Dei to support their ministry.

To watch the service virtually please use the link provided by the church. https://youtube.com/live/dyaDzyqrcfs?feature=share