Joan M. Kalkhoff, age 94, of Clements passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Sleepy Eye Medical Center in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024 from St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls with burial to follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Clements, Minnesota. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 5 until 7 p.m. with prayers service at 4:30 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Visitation will continue on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church. The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls and Morgan are in charge of the arrangements.
Joan M. Kalkhoff, a beloved matriarch, was born on February 24, 1930, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, to Clem and Julia (Trat) Plotz. She dedicated her life to her family and home, embracing her role as a housewife with warmth and commitment. Joan attended St. Mary’s High School, graduating in 1948. In the early years, before her marriage, she worked at State Bank of Sleepy Eye and later at Pietrus while her husband, Jerome, served in the Army. On May 25, 1953, she married Jerome Kalkhoff in Sleepy Eye, beginning a partnership that blossomed into a large and loving family. They shared a life filled with simple joys and the fulfillment of raising children. Joan’s approach to hospitality was remarkable; she always insisted that a meal was necessary when company came by, reflecting her nurturing spirit that touched everyone she met. Joan enjoyed reading, cross stitch, watching tv and jigsaw puzzles. She also had a large garden in her earlier years. Joan remained self-sufficient and cared for herself until the end, embodying strength and resilience. Her life was characterized by a deep devotion to her family, friends, and community. She found joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them. Joan M. Kalkhoff will be missed dearly, remembered for her kindness, her love for family, and the lasting impact she had on those fortunate enough to know her.
Joan’s legacy is carried on by her children: David, Stephen (Pam), Susan (Neal) Rohlik, Denis, Eugene, Karen Berkner, Jean (Robert) Neumann, and Jane (Gary) Wubben, Leon. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Amy, Bryan Kalkhoff, Cletus (Crystal Zwiefel) Rohlik, Julie (Chris) Washington, Ross Rohlik, Amber (Andy) Roehrs, Ryan Berkner, Elizabeth (Jeff Aviles) Berkner, Andrea (Kevin) Skow, Patrick (Jackie) Neumann, Lisa (Matthew) Backer, Briana (Andrew) VanderWoude, Aaron (Jodi) Wubben, Danielle (Hyunmyeong) Goo, and Nicole Wubben, along with 20 great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clem and Julia Plotz, and husband, Jerome.
