Age 79, of Eagan After a three-year battle with Alzheimer's disease, Joann passed away on September 21, 2018 surrounded by family. A life-long Twin Cities resident, Joann was born in St. Paul on March 31, 1939 to parents Elizabeth and William Franson. She was preceded in death by her parents and Gerald, her loving husband of 57 years. Joann is survived by sons Michael (Angela) and Mark (Ann Marie); adoring grandchildren Elizabeth, Devin, Lauren and Greta; siblings Sandra Goebel and Thomas Leek; and other loving family and friends. An avid Elvis fan, in 1957 Joann graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in St. Paul. In 1960, Joann married the love of her life, Jerry. In 2000, after a 37-year career with 3M, Joann retired and focused her energy on grandchildren, travel and her garden. The grandkids always looked forward to the weekly Grandma and Papa day. Joann also held a special fondness for the deer, birds and other wildlife that visited her backyard. On February 28 of this year, Joann suffered the loss of her beloved Jerry. Even as other memories faded, she always held Jerry very close in her heart. She missed him greatly. A very special thank you to the caring staff of both the Commons on Marice Senior Living Community in Eagan and Brighton Hospice Care. Mass of Christian Burial 10AM Saturday, September 29, Church of the Assumption, 51 West 7th St., St. Paul. Visitation one hour preceding the service. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. www.cctwincities.org.

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Published by Pioneer Press on Sep. 26, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Joann STEENBERG

Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.

5 Entries

Sandra Goebel

September 23, 2020

I miss my big sister. She was my protector. She never seemed to mind having a little sister sharing her bedroom. She was both beautiful and talented. I miss her laugh. Jerry was the love of her life and a beloved member of our family.

Nicole Geisen

September 21, 2020

She holds a very special place in my heart. Thank you for being a bright light in my life. She and the love of her life always put money away for me every year until I turned 18 years old. I took the money and purchased a bright pink scooter. I used it with pride to get to work when I was a camp counselor at the YMCA. Miss you dearly. Love Nicole Geisen

Sandy Goebel

October 1, 2018

Joann,

I remember when you would read books to me. I remember the day you tried to calm me when Tom went across the street just before the tar trucks came. I was convinced Tom would not be able to come home as he could not cross over the hot tar.

I remember when the Jerry's family moved into the Saratoga neighborhood. I was the recon to bring back the information on the handsome Steenberg boys! Ricky, I was relentless with frequent visits to your backyard. We could see when you were out in the yard from the Kenney's back yard.

I remember all the times you came to my rescue and protected me.

I remember playing dress up in all your formal dresses that were so beautiful. I hoped you didn't see me. If you did, you were not upset at me. If you didn't know, just ignore this paragraph!

I remember your pals staying over (especially Rita) and how you put up with sharing a bedroom with a little sister even when your friends stayed over.

I remember you helping Tom and I with projects in grade school especially when we had to make a candy' wreath.

I remember inheriting your dolls (your baby doll and Jimmy). Mom may not have told you she let me play with your dolls. I recently confessed at one of our more recent visits at the Commons. You were shocked when I told you Jimmy was missing an arm! Perhaps I should have kept that to myself.

Thanks for all the memories and for being a great big sister.

Love,
Sandy

Maureen Kenney Bennett

September 27, 2018

Dear Sandy and Tommy and Joann's Children and Grandchildren, My sympathy on the loss of Joann. Growing up on Saratoga Street I was lucky to know your family and remember Joann so very well. May your memories comfort you at this sad time.

September 26, 2018

I knew Joan and Jerry for years...they were great people. We didn't see each other since we both retired, but I thought of them often. My deepest condolences to the entire family...my heart goes out to you all !

Sue Kubiak

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