Joan Emmel Walkowiak

Joan Emmel Walkowiak of Rice Lake, Mn. passed away on 12/23/23. She was born August 25th, 1938, in West Union, MN. Joan was a kind, loving, caring and prayerful woman who loved "Birding”, walks in the woods, and gardening. She always knew where the plants needed to be to catch just the right amount of sunshine to maximize their full blooms! Joan retired from a life of teaching that started in Chinatown, New York and ended in Duluth, MN.

Joan is survived by her husband Richard Walkowiak, stepson Dean (Amy) Walkowiak; daughter-in-law Deana (Mike) Olson; grandchildren, Devan Walkowiak, Ashley (Lucas) Goble and Amber (Jesse Rose) Walkowiak; great grandchildren, Kylie, Kendall and Aria; Nephews, Eric (Carrie) Haacke-Golden, Brian (Priscilla) Golden; Grandnieces, Katherine, Charlotte, Mackenna, and Josephine; and cousin, Dale (Carol) Emmel.

She was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Cecilia Emmel, sister Karen (Gerald) Kroiss, and stepson Kyle Walkowiak. She had made many great friends that include Nancy Mcparlen, Helen Kampa, and Susie Omen.

Thank you.

Visitation will be 5-7PM, Monday, Jan 1, 2024, St Joseph’s Catholic Church Gensen, 6110 Church Road ​Duluth, MN 55803, visitation will continue 10AM, Tuesday Jan 2, 2024, until the Mass at 11AM.

Memorials can be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.