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Joan Elizabeth Richmond
1936- 2023
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Joan Elizabeth Richmond, 87, Grand Rapids, MN, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord & Savior on Monday May 1, 2023 at Sugar Brook Villa. She was comforted by her family and cared for by a loving hospice team.

Joan was born in Utica, NY in 1936 to Charles and Mary Truax. She graduated from New Hartford High School where she enjoyed many friendships. She went to work for the New York Phone Co. until her marriage to John Clark in 1955. They settled in beautiful San Diego, CA to raise their four children.

Joan became a rural San Diego history buff. She used that passion and her creative entrepreneurship to start her own tour guide business, JJ Tours, while still raising her four children. In 1974, she married Harry Richmond and in 1978 they (and children) moved to Turlock/Denair CA, where they’d spend the next 38 years making many happy memories, notably starting as “Green Acres” ranchers; the subject of chuckles from locals. For instance, when their untrained sheep dog began attacking the lambs, they kept the dog and got rid of the sheep! Later, she and Harry helped start a new Turlock business, The Sharpening Shop. Joan was a prayer warrior for those in need and an active member of her local church.

After the death of her husband, Joan moved to Grand Rapids MN in 2017 to be close to her oldest son. She was the original office manager at her son’s business, Bloomers Garden Center and also spent two years volunteering for a hospital gift shop. She loved having grandchildren and great-grandchildren nearby.

Joan had a deep and abiding love for family, rivaled only by her affection for her dogs! While at Sugar Brook, her favorite pastime was watching the many birds, squirrels and deer out her window while listening to her favorite gospel songs, and keeping up with family on social media. Joan was a mom first and foremost; she was extremely close with and caring of her large family. Upon arrival in heaven, she undoubtedly asked if her dog “Patchy” was there yet, and looked for rubber bands, and a burnt Nathan’s hotdog (if you know you know).

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Harry, parents, and sibling, Maureen Pierson. She is survived by her sister Lynn Truax of Willits, CA; four children and their spouses: Judith Dalton (Rick) of Modesto CA; David Clark (Debra) of Grand Rapids, MN; Lori Pruski-Clark (Jana) of Roseville, CA; and Michael Clark (Madeline) of Pinedale, WY; fourteen grandchildren: Rebecca, Daniel, Jessica, John, Savanah, Amanda, Elizabeth, Charlie, Greg, Kourtney, Meghan, Monica, Ellie, and Audrey; as well as niece and nephews, Karen, John and Robert; twenty-two great grandchildren, several stepchildren, among them Randy, Dona, and Michael - and Patchy!

Joan’s Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Itasca – Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids, MN in the military section (Harry was a World War II veteran).

Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home and Crematory of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guest book or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.