Joan Gajewski

Joan Kay Gajewski, 71, of Solway Township passed away November 13, 2016, at St. Luke’s Hospice. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held Nov. 17 at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Hermantown.

Interment was at Calvary Cemetery, Duluth.

Arrangements were with Bell Brothers Funeral Home, Duluth.

Joan was born May 6, 1945 to Verl and Violet (Johnson) White in Eagle Bend. She grew up in Motley and graduated from Motley High School. She received her B.A. in education from Bemidji State University. She taught in The Red River Valley and in Silver Bay. She married Ronald Gajewski on August 23, 1975. After Joan retired from teaching  she became an Avon consultant, was involved in several organizations: Two Harbors Youth Program, ADK Sorority, National and Diocesans Councils of Catholic Women, St. Raphael’s St. Theresa’s Circles, St. Raphael’s youth program, Duluth Diocesans RCIA program, Solway Fire Dept., Flamette’s Auxiliary, Solway Special Events committee, Proctor Soccer Fields committee, Munger PTA and she was named a Solway Citizen of the Year Award. 

She enjoyed traveling, playing cards, reading and was a movie buff.  

Joan is survived by her husband; one son, Jason Gajewski; one daughter, Jennifer (Ryan) Lundberg; two foster children, Mark Andres, Sr. and Mike Lofdahl; five grandchildren; one brother, Dairien White; one sister, Sharon Harrison; brother-in-law, Walter B. Gajewski; step-sister, Sandra (Kent) Kraft; two step-brothers, Gary (Elaine) Briggs and Gene (Willma) Briggs and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by one son, Nathan Gajewski and another angel baby; parents; step-father, Floyd Briggs, step-brother, David Briggs, brother-in-law, James Harrison; sister-in-law, LaVaune White; and mother and father-in-law, Mary and Walter Gajewski.           w48p A00006B2016DC01