Joan Juntunen

Dates

February 9, 1937 - February 8, 2024

Obituary

Joan Juntunen, 86, of Plankinton, SD, died Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. A graveside service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Mizpah Cemetery in Plankinton, SD.

Joan Juntunen was born February 9, 1937, to John and Lena (Hemeyer) Jacobs. She attended Pleasant Lake Grade School and graduated from Stickney High School in 1955. Her classmates elected her for Girls State in her junior year.

Joan married Eldon Juntunen in October 1955. One daughter and five sons were added to the union. Eldon passed away in 1972.

Joan served as secretary of the 13 county area, Low Income Council for two years, was a home visitor for Head Start for six years, and was a Police Magistrate for the City of Plankinton for four years. In 1982, she began a career as a PTF clerk at the Plankinton Post Office and retired after 25 1/2 years of service. During that time, she served 18 months on a Federal Grand Jury and was a city council member. Joan was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 6554, Auxiliary serving in many positions, and also a District 7 officer.

She was a believer of God’s word and enjoyed music, dancing, crochet, sudoku, and embroidery. Her favorite charity was St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Jean Kelley of Ava, MO; sons, Roger of Carlisle, PA, Byron Fayetteville GA, and Brian of Gulf Breeze, FL; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, husband, and two sons, Robert and Erlin.

Service

Date
Saturday, October 26, 2024

Time
11:00 AM

Location
Mizpah Cemetery
Plankinton, SD

Cemetery

Mizpah Cemetery
Plankinton, SD

Posted by Kristi Briggs Saville on October 24, 2024

Jean, Roger, Byron, and Brian. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother May the Lord comfort you all.

Posted by Paul Williamson on February 21, 2024

Fifty one years ago (29 Dec 72) a young couple met Joan at the County Courthouse in Plankinton where she was serving as the Justice of the Peace. The couple were looking to have her marry them. Joan was somewhat taken aback as she had never performed a wedding ceremony and asked the couple to come back in an hour or so while she researched the details and rustled up a couple of witnesses. When all was said and done, Paul Williamson and Ardell Kenobbie were joined together as man and wife and we have so remained for 51 years. When we left the service that day we realized that we had failed to pay any service fee. Many years later we contacted Joan, by letter, and enclosed $50. Shortly thereafter we received a letter from her. She was returning money and wishing us continued good fortune. During our brief encounter she conveyed a degree of warmth and sincerity that we remember to this day. May she Rest In Peace and receive her well deserved Heavenly reward.

Posted by Charles and Donna Korus on February 14, 2024

So sorry for the loss of your mom.. Thought a lot of her. She was raised in Pleasant Lake where the Steele's lived. Thoughts and prayers are with her children.

Posted by Linda Heath on February 13, 2024

Always enjoyed talking to Joan at the Cafe. Shecwasxalways real supportive of my Little Red Hen Players, she even had picked up some kids costumes at a garage sale, that she gave me. So sorry for your loss.

Posted by Ruth Reif on February 10, 2024

Sorry to hear about your Mom. Hang in there Jean!Prayers and sympathy with you.