Obituary of Joan J Morrison

JOAN J. MORRISON, age 88, of Duluth, died on Thursday, April 17, 2025, following a short illness.

Joan was born September 22, 1936, in Cloquet to Emil and Ellen (Eckholm) Hallback.  She attended the University of Minnesota Duluth, graduating with a degree in Social Work. She met the love of her life, John (Jock) Morrison, at UMD; they married in 1958 and raised their family in Duluth.

Joan spent her professional career as a social worker in the school systems in Proctor, Hermantown, and Duluth.  She returned to school mid-career to earn Master’s Degrees in both Counseling and Educational Administration from University of Wisconsin - Superior.  After retirement she continued to work with children as a Guardian ad Litem.

In the community, Joan was active at Pilgrim Congregational Church and served on many local boards such as Polinski Rehabilitation Center, Duluth Planning Commission, and Kids’ Closet of Duluth.

Joan enjoyed her childhood in Cloquet, MN, and especially loved the time she spent at the family cabin on Eagle Lake. After Joan and John married, they purchased a cabin nearby so she could pass her love for Eagle Lake on to their children. Years later, as their family grew, they bought a larger cabin down the road to bring that experience to their grandchildren as well.  Whether at the cabin, during the holidays, or on family vacations, Joan created wonderful experiences and memories for her children and grandchildren.

Joan is preceded in death by beloved husband John D. Morrison and dear sister Karen Main.

Joan is survived by her children Steven Morrison (Ann Herzog), Lori Tverberg (Gary), and Beth Morrison (Tim Horn); grandchildren Meggie, Sasha (Taniya), Mira (John), John (Patsy), Nathan (Kayla), Elise, Ashtyn, and Alex; 3 great-grandchildren; and her brothers Greg Hallback (Lynn Milberger) and Jeff Hallback (Patti).

Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 2, at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Duluth with visitation an hour prior to the service. Light lunch will follow at the church.  Private burial at St. Matthew’s Cemetery in Esko, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Pilgrim Congregational Church or donor’s choice.