Joan Wong

Joan Carol Brandenberg Stinson Wong was a force of nature. In retirement, she stayed active by playing tennis and softball well into her 70s, proudly becoming the first woman to join the Rochester Senior Softball League. Her determination and energy were hallmarks of her life. Joan welcomed everyone with an open heart, and her home was always a place where friends and family felt at ease. She had a rare gift for making others feel comfortable and cared for just by being herself.

Joan was born in New York City on July 29, 1935, to John R. Brandenberg and Elizabeth T. Solan-Brandenberg. She was the eldest of two daughters, followed by her sister, Kathy. In 1953, Joan married William Roland "Ronnie" Stinson, and together they traveled cross-country with his country music band while raising their four children: Danny, Sandy, Terry, and Lyndon. The family eventually settled in Rochester, Minnesota. After she and Ronnie divorced in 1967, Joan married Nathaniel (Suni) Wong, and together they had a daughter, Jennifer. They later divorced.

While raising five children and working nights as a waitress at Michael's Supper Club, Joan put herself through school and earned her degree as a Registered Nurse, specializing in cardiology. She went on to dedicate more than 30 years of service to St. Mary's Hospital, where she touched countless lives with her skill and compassion.

Joan's greatest joy was her family, whom she adored. She is survived by her children: Sandy Stinson, Terry Ott (Andy Ott), Lyndon Stinson, and Jennifer Malin (Frank Malin); seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her sister, Kathryn Natoli. She was preceded in death by her parents, John R. Brandenberg and Elizabeth T. Solan-Brandenberg; her ex-husband, Ronnie Stinson; her son, Danny Stinson; and her brother-in-law, Frank Natoli.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Ranfranz Funeral Home (5421 Royal Pl. NW, Rochester, MN 55901) on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m at the funeral home. A light reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Paws and Claws in Joan's memory.