Joan Marie Emlong
November 21st, 2022
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Joan's Obituary
Joan Marie Theisen Emlong, age 82, of Saint Louis Park, MN, formally of Saint Joseph, MI, passed away with family by her side on November 21, 2022
All are invited to attend the regular morning mass on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 8AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church Street, St. Joseph, and a reception from 9:00AM-11:00AM at Union + Social, 216 Court Street, St. Joseph. If able, the family requests you wear Joan’s favorite color blue. A private interment will be held at City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, St. Joseph, MI, 269-556-9450.
Joan was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Over her life she cared for and accomplished many things; she was a beloved teacher, a successful financial consultant, an intuitive gardener, a quick wit, a lifelong supporter of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and a dedicated disciple of the Catholic Church.
Joan graduated from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN with a B.A. in Elementary Education in 1962. She received Montessori Primary Level Certification in 1974 and Elementary Level Certification in 1989. In 1974, Joan founded the Montessori House of Children (now known as Brookview Montessori) in Benton Harbor, MI. For 15 years, she was the school’s Executive Director and a teacher.
In 1990, Joan joined Hilliard Lyons as a financial consultant. She developed and managed a large clientele, created an investment curriculum taught at the local community college, and delivered the weekly stock market report on the radio.
In more recent years, Joan left her beloved Saint Joseph, MI and moved to Minnesota where she could be closer to family. Joan enjoyed life in MN with family and new friends. She joined Holy Family Catholic Church and helped establish Holy Family Academy’s first Montessori classroom.
Joan served on the boards of many organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Literacy Council, Indian Hills Garden Club, American Red Cross, Rotary Club, and Lake Michigan College. She was also an avid disciple for St. Joseph Catholic Church where she served as a church sacristan, adoration chapel coordinator and gardener for church grounds. Whatever and wherever her calling, Joan joyfully shared her many gifts.
Joan is deeply missed by all who knew her. She had an infectious smile, and sense of optimism and humor that lifted all those around her. She is survived by her children, Ralph (Lori Anne) Emlong of Mooresville, North Carolina; Elizabeth (Chad) Lindholm of Eden Prairie, MN; Mike Emlong of St. Joseph, MI; grandchildren, Drake (Megan) Emlong, Lily Emlong, Ethan Lindholm, Regan Lindholm, John Lindholm; and loving sisters Ann (Tony) Eisel of Clayton, MO, and Mary (Hans) Frank of St. Joseph, MI.
All are invited to attend the regular morning mass on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 8AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church Street, St. Joseph, and a reception from 9:00AM-11:00AM at Union + Social, 216 Court Street, St. Joseph. If able, the family requests you wear Joan’s favorite color blue. A private interment will be held at City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, St. Joseph, MI, 269-556-9450.
Joan was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Over her life she cared for and accomplished many things; she was a beloved teacher, a successful financial consultant, an intuitive gardener, a quick wit, a lifelong supporter of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and a dedicated disciple of the Catholic Church.
Joan graduated from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN with a B.A. in Elementary Education in 1962. She received Montessori Primary Level Certification in 1974 and Elementary Level Certification in 1989. In 1974, Joan founded the Montessori House of Children (now known as Brookview Montessori) in Benton Harbor, MI. For 15 years, she was the school’s Executive Director and a teacher.
In 1990, Joan joined Hilliard Lyons as a financial consultant. She developed and managed a large clientele, created an investment curriculum taught at the local community college, and delivered the weekly stock market report on the radio.
In more recent years, Joan left her beloved Saint Joseph, MI and moved to Minnesota where she could be closer to family. Joan enjoyed life in MN with family and new friends. She joined Holy Family Catholic Church and helped establish Holy Family Academy’s first Montessori classroom.
Joan served on the boards of many organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Literacy Council, Indian Hills Garden Club, American Red Cross, Rotary Club, and Lake Michigan College. She was also an avid disciple for St. Joseph Catholic Church where she served as a church sacristan, adoration chapel coordinator and gardener for church grounds. Whatever and wherever her calling, Joan joyfully shared her many gifts.
Joan is deeply missed by all who knew her. She had an infectious smile, and sense of optimism and humor that lifted all those around her. She is survived by her children, Ralph (Lori Anne) Emlong of Mooresville, North Carolina; Elizabeth (Chad) Lindholm of Eden Prairie, MN; Mike Emlong of St. Joseph, MI; grandchildren, Drake (Megan) Emlong, Lily Emlong, Ethan Lindholm, Regan Lindholm, John Lindholm; and loving sisters Ann (Tony) Eisel of Clayton, MO, and Mary (Hans) Frank of St. Joseph, MI.
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