Joan Ann Santjer, age 61, of Renville, died Saturday, November 12, 2011, at the Golden Living Center in Olivia. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Renville. The Rev. Rick Tuttle will officiate. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Renville. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at the Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Renville. Visitation continues on Wednesday one hour prior to the services at the church.

Joan Ann Santjer was born on December 6, 1949, in Willmar, Minnesota to Melvin and Lois (Braun) Penke. She grew up on the family farm north of Danube and graduated from Danube High School in 1968. Joan was united in marriage to Gary Santjer on June 3, 1972, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Danube. They made their home in Renville and along with raising her family, Joan worked at the Owlette, Smith’s Hardware, and later at Meadows on Main all in Renville. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday school, was the AAL Secretary/Treasurer, and also a member of Dorcas Society at church. She was also a member of the Even Dozen Homemakers Club. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, flowers, reading, and word search puzzles.

Survivors include her husband Gary, her daughters and son: Kimberly (and Antonio) Umanzor of Marshall, MN, Renae Slagter of Renville, and Bryan (and friend Lacy Kittelson) of Renville; her grandchildren: Chevelle Santjer, Lane and Cole Slagter, and Jocelyn and Jarret Tovar; her sisters and brother: Pat (and Bob) Ladd of Cottage Grove, MN, Karen (and Brad) Hanson of Longmont, Co, Janice (and Bob) Swanson of Bloomington, MN, Greg Penke of Danube, Randi (and Dave) Usher of Eden Prairie, and Renee (and Lee) Carlson of Chanhassen, MN; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James, and an infant brother.

Blessed Be Her Memory