Joanne VavRosky, age 61, of Marshall, Minnesota, died peacefully on Saturday, September 7, 2019, at her home in Marshall, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019, at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent, Minnesota. Following a reception, interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Clear Lake, South Dakota. A Rosary Service will begin at 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2019, at St. Eloi Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2019, also at St. Eloi Catholic Church. A Prayer Service is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to the service, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, again at the church.
Joanne Joy Parker was born on August 15, 1958, to Raymond and Julia (Walter) Parker in Clear Lake, South Dakota. She was baptized, received First Communion, and was confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake. She attended school there, graduating with the class of 1976. Joanne went on to further her education at Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where she received her nursing degree.
On June 23, 1984, Joanne was united in marriage to Steve VavRosky at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake. The couple made their home in several places including Ft. Worth, TX, Fargo, ND, and Pine City, MN. Joanne worked for over 35 years as a Registered Nurse, retiring in 2014. After her ALS diagnosis in 2017, she and Steve moved to Marshall to be close to family. Joanne and Steve shared over 35 years of marriage together.
Joanne was a proud member of St. Eloi Catholic Church and active as an Oblate of the Sisters of Mary Morning Star. She and Steve loved to travel together, taking trips to Ireland, Israel, Italy, France, Switzerland, and a cruise to Alaska. Joanne adored her grandchildren, to whom she was always “Mommai”. Joanne also enjoyed camping, garage sales, thrift stores, home improvement projects, interior decorating, and playing card games like Pinochle, Uno, and Quiddler.
Joanne VavRosky entered her Heavenly home on Saturday, September 7, 2019. She reached the age of 61 years and 23 days. Blessed be her memory.
Joanne is survived by her loving husband, Steve VavRosky of Marshall; children, Amanda “Amy” (and Travis) Rupp of Marshall, Reid VavRosky of North Mankato; grandchildren, Art O’Rourke, Alma Rupp, and another on the way; brother, Don Parker of Princeton; mother-in-law, Carol VavRosky of Fargo, ND; brother-in-law, Mike Soaringhawk of Grand Forks, ND; sister-in-law, Becky Vavrosky of Anacortes, WA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Ray and Julia Parker; siblings, Judy Spiering, Dorothy Skorczewski, James Parker; and father-in-law, Tim VavRosky.
Memorials are preferred to the MN/ND/SD chapter of the ALS Association (1919 University Ave. W, Suite 175, St. Paul, MN 55104).
