Joann Karges

Joann M. Karges, age 75, of Rochester, MN passed away September 1, 2023 at the Cottagewood Senior Community in Rochester, MN.

Joann Mildred Karges the daughter of Alfred C. and Mildred (Dammann) Karges, was born on June 11, 1948 at the Owatonna City Hospital in Owatonna, MN. She began her Christian faith life when she was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Dodge Center, MN. She also attended grade school at Grace Lutheran Church. She graduated from Dodge Center High School in 1966. Following her graduation, she attended the Rochester School of Practical Nursing and earned her LPN degree. She worked 40 plus years at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. Later on she went back to school to obtain her degree as an operating room technician and worked there until her retirement.

Joann's faith life continued to grow as she was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. She praised her Savior by singing in the sounds of praise choir, attending Rebecca circle, leading a Christ Care Bible Study and taking part in the Rochester Servant Event.

Joann's favorite pastime was photography. She continued to praise her God by taking beautiful pictures of His nature. She enjoyed day trips with her sister, Pat, and spending time with her great nephews, Wyatt and Levi, was also a joy for her. They would go to the park, walk her furry friend, Gus, attend holidays and birthday parties where she would spoil them.

Joann is survived by her sister, Pat and Bob Fitch of Pine Island, MN; niece, Angela Fitch and great nephews, Wyatt and Levi of Pine Island, MN; step-brother, Don and Charlott Wilhelm and family of Dodge Center, MN; step-sister, Illene and Martin Peterson and family of Rochester, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Mildred; sister, Kathryn Ann Karges; grandparents; nephew, Bob Fitch Jr.; and step-sister, Mary Kraemer.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 869 7th Avenue SE, Rochester, MN with Pastor Adam Koglin officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Redeemer. Interment will be at Pine Island Cemetery, Pine Island, MN. If you would like to watch the livestream of Joann's service, please use the following link at the time of the service: https://www.youtube.com/@RLCFamilyofBelievers/streams .

Special thank yous are extended to Redeemer members, the staff of Mayo Clinic, Willow and Waters, the Cottagewood Community, Mayo Hospice and her many friends and family.

Memorials may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church (youth, choir, RSE).

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Karges family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.