JoAnn L. Virshek

JoAnn L. Virshek, age 88, of Golden Valley.  Survived by husband of 62 years, Martin; sons, Michael (Paula) and John (Debra); grandchildren, Erin (Jesse), Joel, Laura, Ethan, Angelina (Chris), David (Danielle), Kelly (Jake), Andrew and Micah; great grandchildren, Margo, Cora, Jack, Harrison and Logan; brother, Stanley (Marie) Gorecki, Jr.; sister, Jean Bukovich; other relatives and friends.  Preceded in death by parents, Stanley Sr. and Frances Gorecki; brother, Ronald Gorecki; nephew, Todd Gorecki; niece, Deanna Bukovich; brother-in-law, George Bukovich.  JoAnn attended Hendricks High School, graduating in 1952.  She spent countless hours volunteering for many organizations, including the American Cancer Society and her children’s schools.

JoAnn lived a long and enriching life. JoAnn was raised on the family farm in southern Minnesota often commenting that she would walk out her door and jump on her horse. She moved to Minneapolis in 1956 where she met her husband Marty. They married May 21, 1960 and settled in Golden Valley, MN. JoAnn and Marty soon grew their family with the arrival of Michael and John. As the boys grew, family trips centered on camping throughout MN and the United States as well as trips to her sister’s cabin in northern MN. The boys were involved in numerous sporting activities and JoAnn was a constant supporter. In her spare time, JoAnn enjoyed bowling on her weekly ladies’ league and stretching a dollar with her extraordinary ability to find a shopping bargain. After Marty retired, JoAnn and Marty traveled extensively including road trips with JoAnn’s parents, as well as several trips throughout Europe. Las Vegas was one of their favorite places as JoAnn had uncanny luck at both cards and slots, often balancing out Marty’s losses.

JoAnn adored her grandchildren and was a constant presence in their lives. She was the Champion Cheerleader and Scorekeeper at their sporting activities, the Musical Orchestrator at their concerts, the Breakfast Chef known for her homemade waffles, and the Provider of the Best Back Scratches. JoAnn could be counted on having snack bags of treats in her purse, secretly slipping a few dollars to her grandchildren, and sending greeting cards for every single occasion. Her grandchildren learned how to pull a pulltab, stretch a dollar, and how to play (although not lose) at cards. JoAnn has been blessed with her great grandchildren and they always brought a smile as she enjoyed their energy. Over the past couple of years, JoAnn has found great joy in watching the birds and squirrels.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 AM Saturday, March 11 at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 145 Jersey Ave S., Golden Valley, with visitation one hour prior to Mass.  Entombment at Gethsemane Cemetery.  Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.