Joan Strawmatt

Joan Strawmatt, age 87 of Cottage Grove, passed away November 28, 2024.

Memorial service will be 2:00 pm, Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church (All Saints); 8100 Belden Blvd. S., Cottage Grove with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Joan May Strawmatt was born August 9, 1937 in Le Sueur, Minnesota to Arthur and Mabel Bachaus. After graduating from Le Sueur High School in 1955, she earned her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Mankato.

Joan met the love of her life, Gerald Strawmatt, and they became instantly inseparable. They were united in marriage on June 19, 1965. They lived in Fayettville, Arkansas and Hillsboro, Missouri where they served as educators. In the early 1970's they moved to Cottage Grove where they started their family and Joan continued to do some substitute teaching. They loved to travel and were able to explore the country, visiting 48 states in their RV.

Joan enjoyed knitting, baking, gardening and playing Bunco. She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving with the Women of Zion and several other groups. She was deeply loved by her family and all who knew her.

Joan is survived by her daughter Stacy (Gerald) Gilsdorf; son Steve (Katelynn) Strawmatt; grandchildren Kenneth and Kendalyn Gilsdorf, Benjamin Strawmatt, Thadeus Brown-Strawmatt and Hayden Strawmatt; sisters Linda Vogt and Carole (Frank) Murphy. She is preceded in death by her husband Gerald; parents Arthur and Mabel as well as many other beloved family and friends.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in the service via livestream, you can watch the service by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and click “PLAY" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having trouble with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.