Joan Katherine Erpenbach

Joan Katherine Erpenbach of Marysville, WA age 79, died February 24, 2014. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 1, 2014, 9:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marysville. Interment will be in the Parish Cemetery. Joan, the daughter of William and Ellen (Howie) Erpenbach, was born August 3, 1934 in Albert Lea, MN. She entered the Franciscan Order in 1954 and was trained as an RN. She served as a nurse in Portsmouth, OH and at St. Teresa's College in Winona, MN. Joan relocated to the west coast and finally settled in Marysville. She drove the bus for the city of Everett. She probably ministered to more people in that capacity than as a nurse. Joan was very active in the church, especially as a Eucharistic Minister to the home bound. In addition to her community, Joan loved the outdoors. She could be seen walking the beach with neighborhood dogs often. She played softball for many years, and enjoyed chopping wood and mowing lawns late into her 70s. Joan is survived by her brother, Deacon William Erpenbach of Faribault, MN; nieces and nephews: Joan E. Erpenbach, Michael Erpenbach, Peter Erpenbach, Robert Erpenbach, and Teresa (Erpenbach) Rosenthal all of MN. Joan is also survived by her "Washington family", Doug and Holly Miller; their daughters, Becky and Ellie and families. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, and sister-in-law, Mary Erpenbach.