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Joan Kathleen (Merchant) Sveen, age 87, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at River Falls Area Hospital.
Joan was born on November 29, 1937, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, the daughter of Benjamin and Loretta (Gleason) Merchant. She grew up in Arcadia, Wisconsin and was a graduate of Arcadia High School. In 1960, she graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in business education and physical education. Further education was received at UW River Falls and the University of Minnesota.
On June 17, 1960, Joan married Edward Sveen in Winona, Minnesota. Together they lived in Minnesota and then in River Falls since 1961. Edward passed away in 2015.
Joan is survived by her two children, Mark Sveen, of League City, Texas and Laura Karch of River Falls, Wisconsin; three grandchildren, Grace, Jacob and Eli; one sister, Carol Bolster of Sparta, Wisconsin; and two nephews, Larry Bolster and Jason Bolster.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward; and her parents.
Joan was a teacher in the New Richmond school district for ten years and for the next 26 years she taught in the school district of River Falls, retiring in 1999. After retirement she continued to work in the River Falls schools for eight years as a substitute teacher.
Joan enjoyed teaching very much but also had numerous hobbies and interests. Some of these were: golf, tennis, knitting, quilting, reading and playing bridge. She was a member of the River Falls Women’s Bridge Marathon for over forty years.
A memorial service for Joan was planned for Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:00AM at Ezekiel Lutheran Church (202 South 2nd Street) River Falls, Wisconsin, with visitation starting at 10:00AM.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
4 Comments
The definition of a classy lady. Mrs. Sveen will be missed by all.
Joan was a wonderful teacher and colleague. She was so respectful of the students she taught and teachers she taught with. She will certainly be missed.
Joan was a special lady, positive and fun to be around.
We used to be their neighbors when I was in jr high. I babysat Mark. I remember them taking me to their cabin for a few days. They were such nice people! The world was better for her being in it.
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