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Joan Roxanne Bjerkebek-Sponsler, age 73 of Roberts, WI passed away peacefully on Thursday June 11, 2026 in the comfort of her home after a brief illness, surrounded by loved ones.
Joan was born in Minneapolis. In 1971 Joan graduated from Irondale Highschool in New Brighton, MN.
Joan lived in Fridley, MN and had 4 beautiful children. She married the love of her life on October 19, 1998 to Steve Sponsler, and taking on the role of step-mom adding 3 step children to her family.
Over the years she worked at the post office, US Bank, and the Hartford until retirement. Upon retirement, Joan and her husband Steve started the company of Powerhouse Electric. She continued to work with Steve until the sale of the company in 2024.
Joan was deeply connected to family. A love beyond words. Any family in her presence was never left unnoticed. She had a passion for ancestry, attending family reunions, and hosting small family gatherings at her house.
Joan was an avid lover to animals, owning up to 80 animals one year! Sheep, goats, alpacas, chickens, Norwegian Fjord Horses, her beloved dogs (Tucker, Poppy and Yogi), and barn cats. It brought her great joy for her grandchildren to come visit and see the animals.
Joan loved and had a passion for the arts. Some of her favorite arts include: rosemaling, fiber, spinning, knitting and quilting. Anyone who knew Joan knew how much she enjoyed her art classes and projects. Family often scheduled gatherings around her art time.
She especially loved to travel and see the world. Over the years she filled passport after passport with stamps from her travels.
Joan most loved being with her family, especially with her grandchildren.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Joan is preceded in death by her father Leroy Bjerkebek, her mother Helen Bjerkebek and her beloved sister Patty (Patricia) Albrecht.
Joan is survived by her husband Steve Sponsler, Children: Amanda (Troy) Hawkins, Sherry Nelson, Jade Bjerkebek LaTourneau, Rochelle (Michael) Beens, Step-Children: Reed (Becca) Sponsler, Holly (Derick) Martin, Luke Sponsler, Grandchildren: Ashley, Jillian, Kendra, Sabrina, Michael, Damian, Weston, Sadie, Ramsey and Shiloh, and great grandchildren Wilder and Rainy. Siblings: Barbara Bjerkebek and Kim Bjerkebek. And many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A celebration of Joan’s Life was held on Tuesday June 16, 2026 from 4-7 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral and Cremation Services 805 E. Division Street River Falls, WI 54022.
A Celebration of Joan’s Life was held on Wednesday June 17, 2026 at 11:00 am, at Ezekiel Lutheran Church River Falls, WI 54022. Visitation was also available Wednesday at the church from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A private interment followed the luncheon.
Arrangements are with the Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the recording of Joan’s service
12 Comments
Sorry to hear cousin Joan has passed away
I am saddened by the passing of a dear Rosemaling friend. I will miss her & send my deepest condolences to her friends & family.
Joan was a loving and good rosemaling student and friend. All of the fellow students and friends who knew her in class every week will miss her greatly. I always enjoyed her quiet, gentle way she responded to me and everyone.
God bless her soul’s
journey.
Joan was loving encouraging funny and interested in people. She was a dear rosemaling compatriot and I will miss her. May her memory be eternal.
My sympathies to Joan’s family and friends. She was lovely, kind and talented. She will be missed by her rosemaling friends.
I so enjoyed Joan’s company and good nature while studying rosemaling together. She was always eager to share her painting knowledge, skills, and patterns with myself and others. I missed her whenever she was not in our weekly class, and now I will always miss her. Enjoy your next adventure, my friend!
Joan has been a dear friend for nearly 20 years. We started our Rosemaling journey together at the Vesterheim in Eldrid Arntzen’s class. Our friendship was so special from the very beginning- a kindred spirit connection. The loss is tremendous and my heart goes out to Steve and all of her children and grandchildren. I’m so grateful to have known you Joan.
My deepest condolences to Joan’s family.
i am deeply saddened by Joan’s passing. She was a dear friend and rosemaling colleague.
Joan was a wonderful woman, who loved her Norwegian crafts, especially rosemaling. I always enjoyed it when she was one of students in my rosemaling class. Thank you Joan for being a creative and loving woman.
Joan was an inspiration to so many of us in rosemaling classes; a talented artist, she was always willing to share patterns and project ideas. I was in awe of her many talents and interests, and I loved hearing her stories about her family, trips, and the pets and animals she raised. She leaves a beautiful legacy in her loving family. May the memories of Joan help ease the sorrow of your profound loss, and may heavenly angels sing her way to heaven.
So sorry for your loss. Joan was such a joy to talk to at the family reunions. Hugs to all of her family and friends. We will all miss her.
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