Joanna Elaine Mensink, 53, of rural Spring Valley, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 11, 2019, surrounded by her family and friends.
Joanna was born May 1, 1965, in Dixon, Ill., to Roberta and John Smith Sr. Joanna and her family settled in Minnesota in 1992. On June 3, 1995, Joanna married Brent Mensink at Saetersdal Lutheran Church, Harmony, Minn. Together they united their families and raised three children and many animals.
She enjoyed sewing, camping, fishing, gardening, crafting, collecting, cooking and entertaining family and friends. Joanna had a special love and bond for animals and would have stories to tell about all of them. Joanna worked as a cook, housekeeper and caregiver. She will be best known for her spunk, strength and perseverance.
Joanna is survived by her husband Brent Mensink, rural Spring Valley; daughters Amber Thompson (Dan Erdman), Spring Valley, Minn., and Jennifer Mensink, Spring Valley, Minn.; son Steven (Mandy) Mensink, Austin, Minn.; 13 grandchildren, brother Jacob Smith, Alta Vista, Iowa; sister Dolly (Rick) Hovey, Lime Springs, Iowa; father- and mother-in-law Marlo and Janice Mensink, Preston, Minn.; sister-in-law, Andrea (Steve) Atwood, Spring Valley, Minn.; brother- in-law Derek Mensink (Rachel Bishop), Lino Lakes. Minn.; sister in-law Natalie (Jeff) Atwood, Spring Valley, Minn.; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, several aunts and uncles, cousins, and one nephew.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 23 at 1 p.m. at Saetersdal Lutheran Church, 21477 County 30, Harmony, Minn. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to the family.