Joan Huneke obituary

Joan Marie Huneke, 89, of Red Wing, died November 8, 2026 at the Ellsworth Care Center. She was born March 30, 1937 in Red Wing to Ervin and Frances (Wimmer) Michaelson. She grew up in Lake City and graduated from Lincoln High School, class of 1955.
On April 15, 1961 she married Richard Huneke at the Church of St. Joseph in Red Wing. The couple made their home and raised their children on the farm homesteaded by Richard’s grandfather in the  Flower Valley area of Red Wing.
In 1991, the couple moved into the city of Red Wing, where Joan worked at the Corner Grocery, which later became Koplin’s Village Market.
For many years Joan tended a large garden. She grew and canned enough to feed her family throughout the year. She loved baking bread and there were always baked good in Joan’s kitchen.
She enjoyed playing euchre and 500 and she was also on a bowling league for over 45 years. Joan also enjoyed cheering on all of the Minnesota sports teams. She was a member of the Flower Valley Birthday Club, a 4-H leader for her children, and a faithful member of the Church of St. Joseph. One of her favorite activities was attending the county fair. She loved supporting her grandchildren from the stands. She always looked forward to spending time with her family, all of whom she was incredibly proud of.
She is survived by her children, Judy (Ernest) Lillie, Robert Huneke, Karen Naber, and Gail (Robert) Kokett; eight grandchildren, Heidi House, Natasha Lillie, Toby Lillie, Nathan Huneke, Heather Huneke, Nicholas Kokett, Hannah Kokett, and Amanda Kokett; five great-grandchildren, William, Charlotte, Adeline, Sloane, Benedict, and one on the way; two step-grandchildren, Izzy and J.J.; two sisters, Joyce Klein and Mary (Ian) Lutjen; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in 2015; sister, Jean Klein; brother-in-law, Delmar Klein; and son-in-law, Don Naber.
The family would like to thank everyone at the Ellsworth Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for the dedicated care they provided.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Monday, November 16, 2026 at the Church of St. Jospeh with Father Thomas McCabe presiding. Visitation will be 3p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, November 15 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and one hour prior to the service at church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.