Joleen Happe

Joleen M. Happe, age 84 of Burnsville, passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2021.

Joleen began working as an elementary school teacher teaching children from kindergarten to fourth grade.

She raised five children and was a compassionate, warm, and encouraging caretaker of her family and many others.  She displayed her hard work ethic that went beyond family and was engaged in church, community and numerous business endeavors with her husband, Gene, throughout her life.  Her (often anonymous) generosity impacted countless people.

Hobbies included horticulture, interior decorating, creative fabrication and baking.

Most of all, Joleen treasured time with her grandchildren and celebrating life as it happened.

She will be remembered and missed for her artistic talent, free spirit and chocolate chip cookies!

She is preceded in death by her husband Eugene “Gene”, parents Mathias and Eleanor and siblings Lois Graham, Evan Kuker, Morrie Kuker, Richard Kuker, Allan Kuker, Tom Kuker, Marvin Kuker and Ronnie Kuker.  She is survived by her children Julie, Laurie (Craig) Gilbert, Gregg (Wendy), Susan (Mike) Whalen and Doug; grandchildren Mac, Madison, Natalie and Jack; step-grandchildren Amy Verhust and Betsy Semmens; siblings LaVonne (Leon) Wernimont, Robert Kuker, Rilla (Lloyd) Soetemelk and Jacque Rattenborg.

Private family services are planned.