Joan Patricia Heinemann

Joan Patricia Greig Rex Heinemann, 97, died June 18, 2025, at the NC Little Hospice Home in Edina. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February, Joan chose home hospice care and then transitioned to the outstanding care at N.C. Little. Joan, the wee lassie, was born March 17, 1928 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Mae Margaret Baughman Greig and Arthur Dawson Greig, who immigrated from Tayport, Scotland at age 18. Throughout her life, Joan's connection with her Scottish cousins remained strong with delightful visits-both in Scotland and at Joan's residence. Joan and her family moved to Huntington, WV where she attended public school and then Marshall College (now Marshall University) earning a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. Piano and organ were her instruments. Most of her music teaching career was in the Pompano Beach, Florida public schools. It was in Florida that Joan met Gordon Rex and they married in 1972. Gordon's sailboat and his sailing skill took them on many adventures including to Dry Tortugus National Park beyond Key West. Other fun adventures were with Mike Rex (Gordon's only child) and his young family who lived in Minneapolis. Gordon's stroke in 1982 left Joan a widow in Florida. Mike and his wife, Debra, encouraged Joan to move to Minneapolis to be with the family-so, ever one for travel and adventure, Joan moved to Minneapolis. Joan loved being with the young family-doing all the fun grandma things with her three young grandsons. Friends introduced Joan to Lowell Heinemann, a life-long resident of Minneapolis/St. Paul. They were married in 1986 and now Joan's family expanded to a step-daughter and three additional grandchildren. Lowell and Joan saw the world together until Lowell's death in 2010. Traveling the world-Joan rode camels and an elephant, played a river boat calliope, and, most importantly, she connected with many of the staff and service people she encountered on each trip. Joan was "notorious" for quips and kindnesses with family. Staff became good friends. Joan loved laughing and making others laugh-sometimes with a gentle humor and other times with just the right amount of sarcasm. She continued this easy-going style with everyone at Founder's Ridge in Bloomington where Joan lived for the last five years of her life. She was absolutely loved by all the staff there. Joan is survived by Mike Rex and his wife Debra Engquist; Peggy Coffman (niece) and her husband Doug; Douglas Greig (nephew) and wife Denise; Michelle Miller (granddaughter) and husband Alvin; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren; and several grand nieces and nephews. Joan's life and humor will be celebrated at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Edina on Monday, June 30th with a 10:30AM visitation and an 11:00AM service. Donations in Joan's memory may be made to N.C. Little Hospice Home. Arrangements made through Washburn-McReavy, Edina, 952-920-3996

Tributes

Joan Patricia Heinemann

March 17, 1928 - June 18, 2025

Tributes

Joan Patricia Heinemann

March 17, 1928 - June 18, 2025

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