Joan Gleisner

Joan Gleisner, age 89, of New Ulm passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at her home in New Ulm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11am Monday, February 2, 2026 at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm. Father Mark Steffl will celebrate the Mass. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be 9-10:30am Monday, February 2, 2026 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes- North Chapel in New Ulm.

The Christian Mothers will pray the rosary at 4 pm on Sunday at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Joan is survived by her daughter, Julie Luotto; sons Steve (Tina) Gleisner, Scott (Kristen) Gleisner; six grandchildren, Kristina, Katie and Elizabeth Luotto, their father, John Luotto; McKenna (Josh) Lodatto; Griffin and Grace Gleisner; two great-granddaughters, Mayla and Maura Lodatto; brother, Gordon (Ruth) Palmer; sisters-in-law, Joanne Palmer Wolf and Sharon Gleisner; brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Darlene Gleisner and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Richard (Dick) Gleisner on July 6, 2025; her parents; parents-in-law, Erwin and Viola Gleisner; brothers Donald and William Palmer; her stillborn twin sister; sister-in-law, Marion Palmer; brother-in-law, Marlin Gleisner.

Joan was born on June 18, 1936 in New Ulm to Harvey and Helen (Altmann) Palmer. She was raised on the family farm west of St George. She attended St George schools and graduated from Cathedral HS in 1954. After graduating, she worked at the County courthouse and as a dental assistant to Dr Ronald Albright. On November 12, 1959, she married Dick Gleisner at St George Catholic Church. They were blessed with three children who they raised in New Ulm.

After marriage, Joan filled her days as a homemaker and with many hours volunteering and supporting her children's activities. After her kids graduated from HS, she held various part-time jobs where she enjoyed connecting with the community. She also became especially passionate about volunteering. Joan was a Turner lady for more than 25 years and a member of the New Ulm American Legion auxiliary helping and assisting in many capacities. She was a lifelong member of the Christian Mothers Society and a member of Cathedral parish for over 65 years. She spent many hours as a MRCI volunteer, Cathedral school and church volunteer, Schells Brewery for Bockfest and Octoberfest, the brat stand at Cashwise for various clubs and pretty much any organization that needed help - and especially those that benefitted her beloved city of New Ulm.

Joan was a proud blood donor and gave many gallons of blood over her lifetime. She loved being a member of the New Ulm Garden Club and was known for her spectacular flower gardens in her backyard on Hilltop Street. Her favorite pastime, however, was playing cards. For over 70 years, she enjoyed her bridge and 500 clubs, sheephead with family and friends and hand and foot with her friends and grandchildren. Despite her Alzheimer's diagnosis, she was a fierce player with her new card playing group at Oak Hills Assisted Living up until her last few weeks.

Her biggest passion, however, was spending time with her family. She loved being Grandma Joan, her many visits to California, watching her grandkids activities and sporting events and sharing with them her love of puzzling. She loved the color red and would love to see everyone on Monday wearing something red!

Heartfelt gratitude to Allina Hospice, New Ulm, for guiding her and family thru her final days and to Dr Scott Rysdahl for his compassionate care over many years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the NUACS Capital Campaign or The Alzheimer's Association.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Joan Gleisner, please click here to visit our sympathy store.