Joan Alyce Grunklee, 89, of Owatonna, died Friday, September 1, 2023 at Benedictine Living Community.

She was born April 24, 1934 in Owatonna, Minnesota the daughter of Albert and Alyce (Wellhausen) Borwege. She grew up in Owatonna where she attended school, graduating from Owatonna High School in 1952.

She was married to Donald Grunklee from October 8, 1954 to August 8, 1964 and Darrell Grunklee from November 6, 1965 to August 31, 1995.

Joan worked at various places in Owatonna including, Jostens, Truth, Owatonna Hospital, Service Master and the Eagle's Club. Most of her working career was in food service at Owatonna Public Schools (junior high).

Joan loved getting together with her family. There was no shortage of conversation when together with her sisters. She enjoyed going out to eat, reading, attending movies, shopping, sweets (eat dessert first if possible), was active in the Red Hat Club and was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Owatonna.

She is survived by her children, William (Lori) Grunklee of Owatonna, Thomas (Debe) Grunklee of Owatonna, John (Mistee) Grunklee of Sanford, FL, Steven Grunklee of Cambridge and Jodi Martinmaki of Kasson; 9 grandchildren, Marisa (Mathew) Thompson, Jeremy (Karolyn) Helmsley, Brett (Katie) Grunklee, Keith Grunklee, Nicole LaPeters (Ryan Herridge), Jacob Grunklee, Sydney Grunklee, Lucas Martinmaki and Ryan Martinmaki; 11 great grandchildren; siblings, Betty Schultz and Robert Borwege; brothers-in-law, Gale Kos and William Grunklee and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Alyce; husbands, Donald Grunklee (1964) and Darrell Grunklee (1995); 3 infant children, two girls and a boy, David Paul; siblings, Shirlee Kos, brother and sister-in-law, Brian and Barb Borwege: sister, Renota Srp; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lowell Schultz, Marene (Clem) Christianson, Marcella Grunklee and Gilbert (Harriet) Grunklee.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Michaelson Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior. The Reverend Greg Schlicker from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will officiate. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna.

Memorials are preferred to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or donor's choice.