Joan Elaine (Erickson) Eichers

Joan Eichers, age 84, of Mankato, passed away on May 22, 2021 at Mayo Health Systems, due to complications from kidney disease.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 27 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 26 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before service at church on Thursday.

Livestreaming will be available at http://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemlutheranmankato

Joan was born on March 1, 1937 in Pequot Lakes, MN. She graduated from Mankato High School in 1955 and Mankato State College in 1959. After graduating, she started teaching English at St. Clair where she formed lifelong friendships with faculty and students before starting her family. Joan volunteered her time at church, served on the Board of the YWCA, Blue Earth County Extension Services, was a very patient Blue Bird and 4-H Leader and a proud member of the Class of '55 Reunion Committee. She enjoyed socializing with friends, playing cards, crossword puzzles, shopping, following all the MN Sports franchises, Hallmark movies and doing laundry - she was a stain removing savant!

Joan and her mother Gina Klitzke joined Bethlehem Lutheran Church in 1941. She relied heavily on her faith and faith family of Bethlehem Lutheran Church throughout her life. Joan was united in marriage to Al 'Bud' Eichers on August 22, 1959 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Mankato. They were married for 53 years and enjoyed traveling, especially winters in Florida. Entertaining family and friends at their summer lake cabin, "The Radisson on Madison," was a highlight of every summer. She absolutely adored her grandkids and grand-dogs and will be watching over them from heaven with her sweet smile.

Joan is survived by her son and his wife, Joel and Melissa Eichers of Excelsior; two daughters, Ann Aas and her husband, Paul of Chanhassen, Christy Eichers of Madison Lake; six grandchildren, Kayla Lundberg (Michael), Josie, Patrick, and Jack Eichers, Ellie and Sam Aas; brother-in-law, Curt Eichers and his wife, Janet of Mankato; sister-in-law, Helen Eichers of Ball Ground, GA; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Al Eichers; mother, Gina Klitzke; father, Ernie Erickson; father-in-law, Aloys Eichers; step-mother, Marcella; brother-in-law, Delton Eichers (Joyce); sister-in-law, Mary (Hank) Lilien.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Joan's name to VINE, Echo Food Shelf, or the organization of your choice.