Joan was born November 24, 1936, in Storm Lake, Iowa to Harvey and Viola Holtapp. She spent her childhood there and was involved in many clubs and activities. Following graduation from Storm Lake High School, she went to Iowa State Teachers College and earned her Associates degree in education. She began teaching elementary school in Cherokee, Iowa.

She and Ron Hoffman knew each other from junior high as often teachers would have a seating chart in alphabetical order. They were good friends and started dating when Ron transferred to Iowa State Teachers College mid-year. Joan and Ron were married at Storm Lake United Methodist Church on April 4, 1958. They celebrated their 68th anniversary this year.

They moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa when Ron was hired as a junior high industrial arts teacher. After two years there, Ron accepted a job in the North St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale school district in 1961. They settled in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Joan and Ron have two children: James Hoffman and Julie (Andy) Petersen. She has four grandchildren: Ellen and Laura Petersen and Katherine and Michael Hoffman.

Joan was a volunteer at the White Bear Lake Food Shelf for 20 years. She enjoyed watercolor painting, primarily flowers and sold many paintings. She especially liked getting together with other painters Monday mornings at Birchwood Hall. She loved to travel with Ron and friends in the states and abroad, especially the river boat cruises in Europe. Their cottage in Maine was a place they spent much time from May through October.

Most of all she loved her husband, children and grandchildren. The times with her family were the most important of her life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Viola Holtapp and her sister Marjil and brother-in-law William Hoffman.

Service will be Tuesday, May 26, 2026  at 2pm with visitation one hour prior at White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St, White Bear Lake, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials to White Bear Lake Food Shelf or St. Croix Hospice.