Joanne Jorgenson, of Prior Lake, was born to eternal life on April 29, 2019 at the age of 73. She was a loving mother, wonderful grandma & dear friend. Joanne will be missed deeply by all who loved her.
A Celebration of Life Service is Monday, May 13, 2019 at 11:00 AM with a time of gathering one-hour prior at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St. SE) in Prior Lake. Jean Breeggemann & Jenny Becker will lead the service, and Joanne’s grandchildren will be her urn bearers. Joanne will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in North Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, please donate money in Joanne’s honor to Westbridge Student Mission Trips. Jacob Brommer, her grandson will be going on the Westbridge mission trip to Louisville, Kentucky this summer. ( www.westbridgechurch.com )
On New Year’s Day 1946, Joanne Marie Halek was born to parents Joe & Linnette (Olson) Halek. She was the seventh of eight children. Joanne loved growing up in North Minneapolis. She was a good child, but always had a little spunk to her. Joanne learned at an early age that she didn’t need a huge group of friends, but rather preferred a few close friends. She spent most of her childhood hanging out with her friends, Darlene & Jeanine.
After graduating from Patrick Henry High School, Joanne attended the MN School of Business. She completed her studies and began working for a local CPA. Joanne liked the work, but the best job she ever had was being a mother. Joanne was blessed with two daughters, and she dedicated her life to them. Although life wasn’t always easy for Joanne, she did all she could to provide a good life for Dawn & Tonia. Joanne truly loved her girls.
Joanne and the girls spent a lot of time at her family’s cabin up north. Even though she didn’t like swimming, Joanne loved being near the water. The Jorgenson girls had many fun adventures together. They went to concerts (like Prince & Michael Jackson) and even took a trip to Chicago to see Oprah!
In the late 80’s, Joanne moved to Prior Lake. Her home was right on the water, and she loved spending time enjoying the view of the Lake. Joanne had such great neighbors and made many wonderful friends in Prior Lake. She even became a “Bonus Grandma” to her best friend Rita’s granddaughter Kaelie. Together they spent countless hours on Joanne’s deck watching the sunset over a cup of coffee and a cigarette. Rita and Joanne were the best of friends and made many wonderful memories together including the time they watched the solar eclipse. They danced around with their scarves singing “Aquarius.” They danced around with their scarves singing “Aquarius.” Joanne was also very close with her nieces Kelly & Amy. She talked to them daily and cherished their friendship. Joanne enjoyed knitting, crocheting and spending time with her beloved dogs.
Joanne had many interests, but the most important thing in her life was her grandkids. They brought a new joy into her life and refreshed her spirit. She would do anything for them and treasured every moment spent with them. Brandon, Jacob & Lauren were such a blessing to Joanne, and they filled her heart with so much love.
Joanne and her grandkids would play games, watch movies, work on puzzles, laugh and hangout on her deck, they built huge Lego towers and created beautiful art projects. Joanne really enjoyed watching the grandkids swim in the pool. Lauren had a special Mermaid Swim Tail that provided hours of endless joy for grandma to watch her flutter around in the pool. To satisfy the, “ I’m hungry’s ” from the grandkids, Joanne always had food in the oven or a finger on the phone to order take out from one of her favorite spots, which included the Olive Garden or Outback Steak House.
Throughout her life, Joanne was known to be a spitfire. She was always quick with a feisty comment and had a great sense of humor. Joanne was generous, loyal and selfless. Family was incredibly important to her, and she loved her family deeply. As a strong Christian woman, she showed everyone that she loved Jesus with her whole heart. Joanne is now home in Heaven with her Lord & Savior.
She will live on in the hearts of her daughters, Dawn (Chad) Brommer & Tonia Jorgenson; grandkids, Brandon Brommer, Jacob Brommer & Lauren Brommer; siblings, Janice (Roger) Olson, Jeanette (Ron) Wald, Joe (Beverly) Halek, Jim (Nelly) Halek; many dear friends & neighbors. Joanne was preceded by her parents, Joe & Linnette “Cookie” Halek; brother, Jerry Halek; infant siblings; special dogs, Joey & Archie.
