Joan C. Syverson

Joan Catherine Syverson, age 78, died surrounded by her devoted family on Sunday, August 7, 2022, in Eventide on Eighth, Moorhead, MN.

Joan was born May 31, 1944, in Fargo, ND, to Raymond and Loretta (Kruse) Maxson. Joan’s early life was spent on her family’s farm in the Thief River Falls, MN, area. Joan told vivid stories about time spent playing in the woods with her siblings, working in the kitchen alongside her mother and grandmother and spending time with her many aunts, uncles and cousins. Joan and her family later moved to Moorhead where Joan graduated from high school in 1962. Joan attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, graduating with an Associate Degree in advanced stenography in 1963.

Joan was united in marriage with Gerry Syverson on April 27, 1968, in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead. Gerry and Joan made their home in Moorhead and were married for 50 years. Joan worked as a secretary at St. Luke’s Hospital, North Dakota State University, for the religious education department at St. Joseph Catholic Church and Eventide on Eighth Joan’s most meaningful job and the one she excelled at the greatest was that of wife, mother and grandmother.

Joan was a people person who had a genuine interest in others and made friends with most everyone she met. Joan enjoyed volunteering her time and talents through church, Eventide, the Arthritis Foundation and the Lupus Foundation. Joan was a passionate gardener, whose favorite place was out in the yard puttering around. An avid Minnesota sports fan, Joan especially loved the Minnesota Twins and enjoyed seeing the Twins play at the Metrodome and Target Field. Joan and Gerry loved working together on home improvement projects and their many projects together created a beautiful home that they were both so proud of. Gathering around the kitchen table visiting and sharing stories with family and friends was one of Joan’s favorite pastimes. She was always ready to mix up a glass of iced tea and put out a plate of pecan sandies.

Joan is survived by her grateful children, Kris Syverson, Moorhead, Kari (Jon Morgan) Syverson, Minneapolis, MN; her beloved granddaughter, Fiona Morgan; sister, Janice Maxson; brother, Jim (Janet) Maxson; brother-in-law, Ron Schmidt; nephews, Jesse (Jamie) Maxson, Jake (Jerrica) Maxson, Rick Schmidt; nieces, Tami Manska and Cheri Bauer.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Gerry; her parents, Raymond and Loretta Maxson; her father-in-law, Norman Syverson; her mother-in-law, Maxine Fish; her sister, Judy Schmidt; her sister-in-law, Marcie Matson; her brother-in-law, Don Matson; and her nephews, Scott and Rick Matson.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to all the staff at Eventide on 8th for the care, compassion and support Joan received the last year of her life. The family would also like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for the compassion, guidance and support they provided for Joan and her family the last week of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Lupus Foundation in Joan’s memory.

Joan’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at 11 AM, with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery Columbarium, Moorhead.

Arrangements entrusted to Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN.