Joan Rita Kongsvik

Joan Rita (nee Koller), age 93, lovingly called Joanie KoKo, died peacefully at St. Therese of Woodbury on August 4, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Preceded in death by husband, Floyd Grant Jr. (Bud), their children, Leo, Ann Veronica, James Peter, sister Donna and brothers Robert (Bob) and John. Survived by children Terri (Vaios) Eleftheriou, Joe (Cheri) Kongsvik, Mary (Neil) Lansing, Anne (Mike) Nichols; Grandchildren, Amy Karrow, Athena Flicek, Lydia (Mike) Turnbull, Molly (Danny) Olson, Michele (Pat) Eggleston, Hannah (Loren) Keller, Zachary Lansing, Heather Lansing; Great-Grandchildren, Avery, Lainey, Kinsley, Mira, Harper, Connor, Ari, Lachlan, Timothy, and Abigail. Born in Minneapolis, the youngest of four, Joanie grew up competing against her two older brothers in every sport imaginable and graduated from the Academy of the Holy Angels. She went on to attend the University of Minnesota where she participated in theater, synchronized swimming and physical education. While raising her family and beloved dog Koko in Shoreview, she taught Physical Education, belonged to the ladies social guild and coached softball, volleyball and basketball at St. Odilia Catholic School and Church. Joanie and Bud retired to Arizona in 1985 where she pursued all of her passions from golfing, bike riding, billiards, ping pong, and swimming, to reading her favorite mystery novels (Mary Higgins Clark) by the pool. She also appreciated beating everyone at mini-golf and billiards well into her 80's, teaching arthritic water aerobics, and racing around Sun City West in her two favorite modes of transportation, her golf cart and bike she nicknamed "Blue Beetle." She enjoyed playing card games, crooning to Barry Manilow and made millions of scrubbies. But by far Joanie's favorite past time was being a mom and grandmother. No one loved you as deeply and accepted you simply for who you were more than she did. Her joie de vivre was as infectious and captivating as her brilliant smile and bright bikinis. She will be missed by her dear sisters-in-law, Joan, Jeanne, Donna (Don) and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends. She will be loved for eternity by her family and friends. May she now return to her complete, vibrant self as she joins her Lord and Savior. Amen. Celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at St. Odilia Catholic Church (3495 Victoria St. N., Shoreview, MN). Visitation will be held one hour prior to Service at 11:00am. Luncheon to follow. Internment will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix at a date to be determined. A sincere Thank You to the caregivers, staff and hospice care team at St. Therese of Woodbury. You created peace at the end of a fabulous journey. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice. Attention: Railroad crossing construction on Victoria just north of St. Odilia. Anyone coming to church from 694 can take Lexington Avenue South to County Rd E, go left (East) to Victoria Street and then take a right (South) to church.

Tributes

Joan Rita Kongsvik

February 8, 1931 - August 4, 2024

Tributes

Joan Rita Kongsvik

February 8, 1931 - August 4, 2024

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203