Joani D Tolzmann

Mankato Mortuary
507-388-2202

The Lord called Joani D. Tolzmann to enter into eternal glory on Wednesday, November 24, 2010. Joani, 56, of Vista, CA was presently staying at her twin sister Janie's home in Mankato, MN at the time of her death.

A Celebration of her life will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato, with Rev. Andy Ritchie and Rev. Dennis Heiden officiating. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. on Monday at the church, and continues one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial will be at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Danville Township, Minnesota Lake, MN. There will be a memorial service at Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the building fund at Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, The Lutheran Hour, or to an organization of the donor's choice. Mankato Mortuary is handling the arrangements.

Joani was born on June 19, 1954 at home near Mapleton, MN in Blue Earth County to Duane and Barbara Tolzmann. She was baptized on July 2, 1954 by Rev. L. Richmann and was confirmed in her faith on April 7, 1968 by Rev. C.M. Droegemueller at St. John's Lutheran Church in Minnesota Lake. Joani graduated from Minnesota Lake High School in 1972 and worked at the Minnesota Employment Service and Mankato Free Press. In 1979 she moved to "God's country" in sunny, southern California and was employed in various jobs until working at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base in Oceanside, CA. She received a number of Employee Recognition awards for her outstanding service at Camp Pendleton.

Joani was a member of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido and served as a greeter, attended Sunday Bible Study and gladly gave worshipers a ride to services if needed. Joani enjoyed gardening or "farming" as she referred to it. She had a beautiful rose garden and many annuals, perennials, and vegetables. She also enjoyed going for walks with her beloved dog, Cleo, going to the theater, and visiting with family and friends. Joani always had time for a game of clothes pin tag, or a squirt gun or "crazy string" fights with her nieces and nephews. Joani was loved by many, both in Minnesota and California.

Joani is survived by her twin sister, Janie of Mankato. Also surviving Joani are her sisters, Jeanne (Ben) Holten of Nicollet, Deanne Tolzmann of Inver Grove Heights, Deb (Brad) Wallace of Fairmont, Cheyenne Bobbie Tolzmann of Pemberton; one brother, Deane (Diann) Tolzmann of Mankato; five nieces and four nephews, Rebekah, Micah, Rachel, and Ruth Holten, Isaac, Morgan, and Greg Wallace, and Ellie and Bailey Tolzmann; also many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Joani is also survived by her "California family", Henry and Dirce Oropeza, Rebeca Oropeza, "Miss" Sophia (with an S) West, Jim and Anette Lowery, the Jesus Lujan family, Carol and Dick Blom and her "California mom", Clara Smith. Joani had many dear and loving friends at her church in Escondido and many friends and co-workers that she knew and loved during her 30 plus years in California.

Joani was preceded in death by her parents, Duane and Barbara Tolzmann; sister, Barbara Jean; an infant sister; maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles.

The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff at ISJ Cancer Center, the ISJ Hospice staff, and Chaplain Jacek Soroka for the loving care given to Joani. They would also like to thank the many friends and people of Hosanna Lutheran who volunteered to help care for Joani in her last days, for all the visits, prayers, and words of comfort from Pastor Andy, Pastor Dennis, and Pastor Vogelsang. A very special thank you to Hospice volunteers Jane and Ann who became very dear friends of Joani and Janie and were extremely helpful and comforting to the family in Joani's final days.