Joan (JoAn) Dorothy Vitse

Joan (JoAn) Dorothy Vitse, 83, of Rushford, Minn., passed away peacefully at her home with family at her side Monday, February 21, 2022. Joan was born May 27, 1938 near St. Charles, the eldest of seven children, to Elmer and Esther Erdmann. 

She attended country school and graduated from Rushford High School. On January 4, 1958, she was united in marriage with Roger Vitse at St. Johns Church, Hart, Minn. Together they raised a family of four boys. 

Joan worked as a bookkeeper at Midland Coop and at Farmers Elevator in Houston. After “officially” retiring, she worked at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home as a dietary aide. Joan was an active member of St. Marks Lutheran Church where she served as treasurer and other duties related to money or food. She was grateful for her loving family and great friends, including her church family. In her latter years, Joan was blessed with a dear friend and companion, Bob Kingsley who delivered meals on wheels with her, and was someone who always brightened her days. 

Joan enjoyed cooking and was well known for her delicious pies. Raising chickens was a favorite pastime of hers. She looked forward to “sister days,” shopping trips, and visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She always welcomed a game of Cribbage and Sequence.

Survivors of Joan include four sons: Nathan (June), Eric (Cindy), Ryan (Beth) and Chris (Michelle); grandchildren Jordan (Tingting) Vitse, Bailey (Justin) Rasmussen, Alysha (Ben) Mohs, Tyler (Kayla) Vitse, Jacob (Lindsay) Vitse, Maggie (Jacob) Remmey, Riley (Jordan) Vitse and Morgan (Zack Ansell) Vitse; 13 great-grandchildren, three brothers: David (Gladys) Erdmann, John (Glenda) Erdmann, and Glen (Brenda) Erdmann; three sisters: Joyce (Jerry) Dahl, Paula (Larry) Webinger, and Faith (Paul) Anderson; and sister-in-law Becky (Vitse) Morken.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents and husband Roger.

A special thank you to the staff at St. Croix Hospice and friends and siblings who provided loving care to our mom and made it possible for her to remain at home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials to St. Marks Church or Choice Cemetery. 

Family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and loving support during this time of need. 

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Rushford, Minn., on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 2 p.m. There will be a visitation starting one hour prior to the service, at 1 p.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Rushford, also on Sunday, February 27. Hoff Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.