JoAnn (Gregoire) Lynch

APPLE VALLEY–JoAnn (Gregoire) Lynch was born on December 21st, 1956 in Marshall, MN to Theodore (Twig) and Pearl (Lawson) Gregoire. She graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1975. JoAnn was united in marriage to Samuel Lynch on September 12th, 1981 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall, MN. They continued to live in Marshall where they raised their two daughters Cassie and Crysta and their son Wesley. JoAnn attended Granite Falls Vocational Technical College where she was working toward her Legal Secretary Certificate. It was here that JoAnn established lasting friendships with the “Granite Girls.”

One year into schooling she was hired on at State Farm Insurance in Marshall as a Secretary. In 1996 JoAnn furthered her career with State Farm by continuing her education to become an Auto Claims Representative for the company. She continued in the new role in Marshall until, in preparation for downsizing the local State Farm office, JoAnn was selected to continue on as an Auto Claims Representative in the Burnsville, MN office. In 2003 Sam and JoAnn took a big leap of faith and moved their family to Apple Valley, MN where they have since called home. JoAnn continued her career with State Farm until her retirement in 2019 after 43 years with the company. JoAnn was never one who was going to be idle in retirement and found part-time work with two local State Farm agents who were classmates of Wesley, Keith Nederhoed and Matthew Olson.

JoAnn was an incredible sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She never missed an opportunity to spend time with those that were dear to her. JoAnn enjoyed regular outings with both her siblings and friends and looked forward to her monthly book club gatherings. The greatest joy she experienced was becoming a grandmother. She eagerly awaited the arrival of all seven grandchildren, greeting each child the moment they were born. She enjoyed helping with childcare when needed and stayed up to date with the kids’ weekly activities, programs, and sporting events, attending as many as she could. This found her traveling often between Sioux Falls, Winona, and Milwaukee. JoAnn established Grandma week in the summer of 2018 when her school aged grandchildren would come spend a week at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. They enjoyed time together playing at parks, swimming, doing crafts, tie-dying, and playing games.

JoAnn was known for her skills in the kitchen and could make anything taste delicious.

JoAnn will be remembered for her gracious heart and listening ear. She was the mediator, the life of every gathering and she loved like Jesus. Her warm chocolate chip cookies will be missed, but nothing close to the love we all felt when she walked in the room or gave you a hug.

JoAnn passed away unexpectedly on February 19th, 2024 at M Health Fairview Ridges Medical Center with her husband by her side. JoAnn is survived by her husband, Samuel, and their children, Cassie (Jessie) Stratton, Winona, MN, Crysta (Travis) DeSmet, Sioux Falls, SD, and Wesley (Christina) Lynch, Milwaukee, WI; grandchildren: Abby, Lily, and Brady Stratton, Mason, Adeline, and Emily DeSmet, and Mia Lynch; siblings, Jackie (Larry) Doom, Marshall, MN, David (Charlotte) Gregoire, Marshall, MN, Judy (Kirk) Ewoldt, Long Prairie, MN, Jayne (Todd) Ormberg, Piqua, OH, Doug (Laurie) Gregoire, Cottonwood, MN, Jean (Brian) Abrahamson, Cokato, MN, Joy (David) Buysse, Minneota, MN, and Jennifer (Kevin) Swedzinski, Taunton, MN; sister-in-laws, Janice Tollefson, Brooklyn Park, MN, Mildred Noerenberg, Fowler, IN, Delores Buckland, Huron, SD, Florence Fillipe, Casa Grande, AZ; brother-in-laws, Herbert (Coleen) Lynch, Lakewood, CO and Donald Keuhl, Wilmar, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Twig and Pearl Gregoire, in-laws, Harry and Zazel Lynch, brother-in-law Larry Noerenberg, sister-in-laws, Charlene Keuhl, and Marcia Wigton.