Joan Laakkonen Mueller placed her life in the hands of the Lord and on August 22, 2017, passed away at Mala Strana Health Care Center, New Prague, MN. She was 78 years of age and a resident of Prior Lake, MN. Joan was fortunate to stay in her home until July 24, 2017 with the help of family and friends, especially with the Schultz girls.
A visitation will be on Thursday, August 24, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one-hour visitation will also be held prior to the Celebration of Life Service on Friday, August 25 at 11 am, at Immanuel Lutheran on Fish Lake, 20200 Fairlawn Avenue, Prior Lake, MN. Pastor Brent Parrish will preside. Pall bearers for Joan will be Robert (Bob) Alfredson, Patrick Keenan, Vince Michilini, Jerry Stark, Everell (Andy) Anderson, Harlan Segler, with honorary pall bearers of Allen Erickson and Graham Grilley. She will be laid to rest at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Joan’s memory by the family.
On January 20, 1939 in Virginia, MN, Joan was born the first of two children to parents Jacob and Anna “Esther” Laakkonen. Baptized on June 7, 1939 and Confirmed in May 24, 1953, she was the first Confirmation class of Calvary Lutheran Church, Orr, MN. Along the railroad track in the remote countryside of Orr, Joan had quite a unique life growing up. The Laakkonen family was very proud of their Finnish heritage, with even speaking the language. As Joan entered the first grade, she learned to speak the English language fluent as well. School work was completed by using gas and Kerosene lamps. As a means of traveling to the big city for clothes and major supplies, with her father as the rail section chief, Joan and her family would jump on the passing train and travel the 60 miles.
Joan graduated from Orr High School in 1957. A few months later, she wanted more in life and headed south to the Twin Cities. Joan came to the big city, to attend x-ray school. She took her knowledge and expertise, working in various clinics and hospitals in the area. For 25 years, Joan worked as a Radiology Technologist and Mammographer for St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee, MN. She retired in 2005.
Through mutual friends, Joan met a young man named Larry Mueller. It was instant love and on March 24, 1972 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, they declared their love to each other. Settling their roots in Prior Lake, Joan and Larry were blessed with two sons, Brian and Marcus. In 1987, they moved to Spring Lake township, where the family enjoyed the more quiet and simple life style.
Missing her family and friends, Joan and Larry decided to buy a raw lot on Pelican Lake in Orr in 1980. Together, they cleared the lot and built a beautiful cabin, which was designed and decorated by Joan. Though the years, she and her family spent countless weekends visiting family, enjoying the activities of the lake, snowmobiling and partaking in the annual deer hunting season. In Joan’s spare time, she loved to complete crossword puzzles and Sudoku. Her greatest passions were her children and grandchildren.
In 1985, Joan placed her trust in the Lord, as she was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. She fought hard and with her positive attitude and faith in God, Joan was in remission. Unfortunately, in 1999, she was once again facing cancer, this time stage four. For the next 18 years, Joan underwent 17 different types of chemo and 6 types of radiation. In the eyes of her doctors, Joan was a miracle, to have survived so long. As Larry would say, “the Lord was using Joan as a quiet witness.”
Joan was a very strong woman, who had such a positive attitude and strong faith, which set a wonderful example for family and friends. Her family is now left carrying on her legacy. They will be always reminded as they completed daily tasks…would this be the way Joannie would do it.
Left to honor Joan’s life and mourn the death is her husband of 45 years, Larry; sons, Brian (Carolee), Marcus (Meg); grandchildren, Nathan, Rachel, Tucker and Amelia Mueller; sister-in-law, Kathleen Laakkonen; many relatives and friends.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Joan home in heaven are her parents and brother, Jacob Nathan Laakkonen.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Mueller family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
