Obituary of Joan Loretta Nading

My beloved wife, Joan Loretta Nading, Mother of four, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Auntie Joan, Great Aunt and a special friend to many, passed to her new life, on November 23, 2020 at Benedictine Health Center, in Duluth. Joan, the love of my life, had 81 years of earthly adventures, that provided all of us who loved her, joyous memories that live on in our hearts.

Joan was born on May 5, 1939 to Charles and Helen Pearson, in Chicago, IL. Her two brothers, Robert (eldest) and Donny (baby), along with her twin sisters, Lorraine and Lenore (1 year younger) completed her family of seven who eventually landed at 2909 Wellington, Street in Duluth.

Joan and I first met January 3, 1957 and later married on June 29, 1957-SO IN LOVE. Like all married couples our 63 years of marriage brought us countless ups and downs that was a beautiful journey filled with miracles, blessings, love and sweet memories.

Joan was an amazing seamstress. She was admired by many for her draperies, prom dresses, and wedding party gowns, to name a few. She was very meticulous when it came to the perfect hemming stitch – by hand, of course!

Joan was a devoted wife to me, and mother to our children. She was a hard-working, stay-at-home Mom for most of the children’s growing years. How she managed the household duties, alongside of tending to the needs and want of our four children, who at one time were all under the age of 5 years, with 3 in diapers, deems her “Super Woman” status in my eyes.

As our children grew and became involved in many childhood activities, Joan became the taxi driver to baseball games and other childhood events. Joan was always welcoming to our children’s friends and the neighborhood kids, who knew if needed, there was food available and a fun place to hang out. Family was everything to Joan, and all our friends were treated like family. Joan was also a protective “Momma Bear” and nobody messed with family on her watch.

When the daily needs of our children lessoned, with age, Joan decided it was her time to go out in the world and get a paying job. She worked at Delores Café in New Duluth and loved the opportunity to get out of the house and meet new friends. Since the older children now had driver’s licenses, she relinquished her taxi-driver role to them.

Joan became CEO of “Bob Nading’s Auto Sales” when we moved to Twig, MN 1980. The business name should have been “Joan and Bobs” as she was famous for doing the bookwork, having food prepared for hungry buyers and sweet treats for any children who came along.

Joan’s role of Grandma (and great grandma) was her best-loved role. All of her life’s many talents and passions were poured into her grands. She loved sharing her hobbies like sewing, needlepoint, bowling, crocheting (everyone has a crocheted dish cloth), roller skating (she was GOOD), reading for fun, and even a little bingo now and then. She was open to learning new hobbies from the grand’s as well! Joan loved road-tripping adventures with family. From the early years of camping with the family to road-tripping to the House on the Rocks- one of the places to visit on her bucket list. Joan dreamed of being a world traveler and she did so through her children and grandchildren’s journeys. She loved hearing all their travel stories, and you could tell she went along in her mind.

Joan will be deeply and sadly missed by all who were blessed to cross her path in this life.

Joan is survived by husband Bob, Daughters Lori (Brad) Ballantine, Deedee (Dale) Olson, Sons Clay (Karen) Nading, Curt Nading, Grandchildren; Dusty, Cory (Micaela), Bridget (Jon), Annie (Nick), Ryan (Katie), Aaron (Amanda), Derek, Christian, Madi. Great Grandchildren: Noelle, Devan, Carsyn, Jordan, Jameson, Cameila, Natalie, Alex, Kenzie, Layla; Brother Robert (Carol) Pearson, sister Lenore (Lloyd) Westerman; Brother-in-Law John Nading (Kathy), sister-in-law Patricia Cohen and Jeanne Pearson.

Joan was proceeded in her death by her parents, sister Lorraine Minter and Brother Donald Pearson (eight days after Joan)

Joan’s Celebration of Her Life: Wednesday May 5, 2021, Visitation at 2 pm, Memorial Service 3-4 pm with a meal to follow at the First Memorial Chapel-Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave, Duluth

Memorials Preferred to New Life Covenant Church,5309 Dickerman Rd. Saginaw, MN 55779.

Joan always said, “Bring me flowers, when I am living”, and we did. To celebrate, Joan, the love of my life, give someone you love a hug – or maybe even a flower.