Joann V. Otterblad

Joann V. Otterblad, 91, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on June 17^th at St. Luke’s Hospice.  Joann was born May 27, 1931, in Superior, WI to George and Myrtle Caven.  Her family moved to Duluth, and she graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1949.  Joann worked at the Elliott Meat Packing Company and Allstate Insurance Agency before marrying Anton “Tony” Otterblad on Nov. 3, 1956.

After her children were in school Joann went to work at St. Louis County Social Services, where she made many lifetime friends before retiring in 1992.  Joann was a member of St. John’s Church; she enjoyed the company of her Scottish Terriers, as well as knitting, crosswords, and other puzzles, enjoying the flowers in her garden, and feeding all the birds, chipmunks, deer and occasional bear who wandered through her yard.  Most of all she cherished spending her time with her family and many friends. 

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, George and Myrtle; her sister, Catherine Yingling and her husband, Tony in 2006.

She is survived by her children, Mike (Margie) Otterblad (Col., USAF, Ret), Anne Larson, David (Dawn) Otterblad (FAA Retired), Susan (John) Foschi and Lynne (Mark) Carlson; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; brothers, Larry Caven and John (Judy) Caven and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A special thanks to the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital and Hospice, as well as the staff of the Franciscan Health Center of Duluth, who all provided excellent care and support to Joann. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joann’s name to St. Johns Catholic Church.

Visitation will begin Friday, June 24^th at 10:30am at St. John’s Church, 4230 St. John’s Ave, Duluth, MN with Mass of Christian Burial follow at 11:30am. Burial at Forest Hill Cemetery will follow. Sign the online register book at, www.dfhduluth.com.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2^nd St. Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555.