Joan E. Christian, age 62, died Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 at her home in Albert Lea, MN, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00AM at Open Doors Methodist Church in Wells, with Pastors Dani Jo Bierwagen and Chris Leistra. Visitation will be held at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells (789 Business Park Drive), on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 PM, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. **In Lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to St. Croix Hospice**
Joan Ellen was born July 25, 1961, the youngest of three daughters of Sidney M. and Vivian (Baker) Kvale in Forest City, IA. She attended and graduated from Lake Mills High School, the class of 1979. Joan attended St. Mary’s School of Practical Nursing, graduating with her nursing degree. On May 4, 1991, Joan was united in marriage to E. Kent Christian in Lake Mills, Iowa, and to this union two daughters were born: Camille and Claire.
Joan was a beloved nurse to all the students and staff since 2000, at United South Central Public School in Wells. Joan enjoyed the many students through the years, along with her work family of teachers and staff. She possessed a quick wit and a gentle heart. She enjoyed watching her favorite team (Iowa State Cyclones), traveling the world with family, a relaxing pontoon ride on the lake, walking, watching the game of tennis and babysitting her grand-dogs.
Joan is survived by her husband Kent of Albert Lea; 2 daughters: Camille Christian of Rochester, MN, and Claire Christian (spouse Trent Schneider) of North Liberty, IA; mother, Vivian Kvale; sisters: Kristine Gudmonson and Susan (Wayne) Mannes, all of Lake Mills, IA; sister-in-law, Karen Christian (spouse Rick Wenstrup) of Park City, Utah; nephews and nieces: Andy (Naomi); Aaron (Kristin), Mike (Julia), Ben (Ashley); Nathan (Rebecca), Peter (Kristen), Madeleine (Rall); great nephews and nieces: Karson, Kasey; Brynna, Kylee; Hallie, Maddie, Anika, Eliza; Kennedy; Wink, Isaiah; Hope, Grace, Gabriel.
Joan was preceded in death by her father, brother-in-law Dennis Gudmonson, and her in-laws: Edward and Edna Christian.
**Joan’s family requests you wear your favorite Iowa State Sports Apparel or your cancer shirts**
Our lives have been definitely touched by an angel. I loved working with you and laughing at our stories from St Mary’s teachers 💕. You touched so many people!!
Our deepest sympathies to the entire family. Her smile will be missed.
So sorry for your loss, your family will be in our prayers 🙏🏼
Our deepest sympathy to the Christian family. May all your wonderful memories help bring your hearts peace as you say “until we meet again” to a beautiful lady.
What a beautiful lady! Thinking of you Kris and sending my sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerest sympathies to you Cami & your family.
I was so sorry to see this! Joan fought valiantly and touched many lives in the process. God’s blessings for comfort for your family!
So many memories with Joan!! My heart goes out to Kent and the girls! She will always be with all of you! Prayers to you all
What an amazing woman. She was loved by so many.
My deepest sympathy to her entire family! Prayers to you all!
A beautiful tribute to her, Kent and it was a touching and inspiring eulogy.
Wishing you peace and wonderful memories,
Love,
KKC
Kent and family… Joan and I worked together at St. Mary’s in Vascular. I am so sorry for your loss. We shared many laughs and she made working so fun !!! God bless all of you, Peg Drews-Radke
So sorry to hear of this news. I just found out. I wish her eternal peace and blessings. Hopefully we will get together and have a beer this summer and talk over old times kent. Best wishes. John Bills.