Prologue
On behalf of my family I want to thank Mary, Mark, family and friends
for their visits and support. Thanks,
too, for all the letters, cards and Caring Bridge posts which Joanne eagerly
read. Thanks to Pastors Mary and Melanie,
for their visits and Pastor Dan for presiding today. Twice the choir came to sing for Joanne and
they sang her funeral hymns…she loved it! for that, and singing again today we
say heartfelt thanks. To choir director
and organist, Steve Self, know that Joanne was your biggest fan who loved you
for your grace and your music. She asked to see one thing on her last car ride;
this church. Members of Grace, who have supported us in countless ways
including all the help yesterday and today, bless you. When shown the video of the congregation on
Easter singing Happy Birthday and the blessing song, Joanne said “I never knew that dying could be so
glorious!”
Joanne Elizabeth Negstad
April 1, 1936- April 12, 2018
Let’s think together about
Joanne’s life and influence. Caring
Bridge posts, cards and letters have poured in echoing a theme “mentor” “role model” “pioneer”, over and over again,
literally over one hundred of these.
Many of them from people who were surprises to her—she had no clue that
they considered her a role model, mentor or pioneer. She influenced them so they touched others,
who in turn touched others, and on and on and on. Think of the vast network spreading out from
her, throughout the world and to multiple generations. She had a huge impact on
this world, for the better. It is a web of truth and beauty spreading far and
wide. Yes, she has died, but consider
her influence that goes forward and into future generations, a form of
immortality!
This excerpt from one of the
cards she received is a good illustration of her influence.
“Dear Joanne
I
don’t know if you even remember who I
am…I’m from your Sioux Falls days (1975-80)…I just thought you were coolest
most ‘un-pastorish’ wife I’d ever met, and I mean that in a totally good way. You were kind and
good, but you were also strong and intelligent with your own opinions and
thoughts which you weren’t afraid to voice in a most appropriate way. I really admired you and always
will. You taught a class on
assertiveness that I took and it changed
me forever!...You taught me a way to communicate that was fair, honest and
direct without being hurtful or mean spirited.
It added a dimension to my perspective that I use to this day and it has
make a great deal of difference in my life….I wanted you to know you touched my
life! You were a mentor who made
a difference. Thank you, love and
hugs, (Signed) Suzy Blake”
Suzy was one of the hundreds
mentored by Joanne.
In a profound, poignant
letter to Joanne, her brother, Mark, wrote…
“It has been amazing
to have a big sister who is attentive to personal relationships while also
serving as such a phenomenal public leader.
You have taught me so much about both.
As a leader you energize people with our vision while modeling collaborative
leadership, honoring the gifts and dignity of each person with whom you serve.
In often heard conversations extoling your gifts for leadership, I was always
proud to add, ‘Yes, and she is my sister.’
Okay, truth be told, I would say older sister! We received gifts for leadership from our
parents but you have added your unique ‘Joanne imprint’ that will never be
fully replicated, yet will serve as a model and inspiration for many to come,
just as it has for me all these years.”
Mark adds…
“And now you are
teaching me what it means to go on our final baptismal journey of dying in the
faith of Jesus. You are dying as you
have lived—with grace and gratitude abounding, with love abiding, with tears
flowing, not out of fear of death, but as a sign of how much you have loved
life and family and friends, and how much we love you and the greatness of the
loss we face. Jesus said, ‘I come that
you may have life, and have it abundantly.’
Joanne, you always have and will continue to embody what it means to
live an abundant life with grace and gratitude.
I will miss you as I continue thanking God for you. I love you, Mark.”
We living in a vast and
expanding universe and it seems we are but specks of cosmic dust. But, God has called us to be co-creators of
this world we inhabit. Joanne’s life was
a world of positive, life affirming co-creation of a better world.
Her career took her to
Norway to start a congregation, to teach at Augustana Academy and Augustana
College in her work of co-creating a better world. She counseled students in St. Louis Park,
worked for three Lutheran Social Services, helped found Lutheran Services in
America and finished her work life with Lutheran World Relief. Testimonials to her co-creative work pour in
from all those places.
At her 75th
birthday celebration her college roommate and dear friend, Jenine Jordahl,
addressed those in attendance and in her remarks said, “Joanne is a people
connector, and, she stays in touch.”
That was a very astute observation because Joanne was tickled any time
she connected people. Her ‘staying in
touch’ was evidenced by the 20-30 greeting cards she sent every month. She had many good friends in whom she took
delight…and in retirement had time to spend with them.
It all began, for Joanne,
in a family with a passionate love of God, who nurtured her to be a force for
good. That passion for God, translated into a passion for the good of people.
Her father, Rev. Oscar C. Hanson, and her mother Myrtle, loved and nurtured
their children, Joanne, Mary and Mark, not only to be people of faith, but to
be leaders in co-creation of a better world.
Joanne, in turn nurtured her
children Lisa, Lars and foster daughter Cathy, in love and faith. She had high expectations for them, sometimes
frustratingly high, but there was no doubt about the depth of her love for them,
and it was a very conscious, unconditional love they experienced. Their favorite nick-name for her was
‘affirmo-mom’, because Joanne was always ready with affirmation. She welcomed Melissa, her daughter-in-law,
into the family with open arms and unconditional love. Joanne was absolutely
joy-filled with the birth and lives of her granddaughters, Mai-Evy and
Sella. We’ll never forget the image of
her sitting on a little rolling stool in the living room playing, Go Fish, and
other games with them.
To me she was wife, lover,
companion, good sport, partner in adventure, creative presence, encourager,
fount of wisdom and good cheer, travel partner soul mate and always ready to
hold up her end of a conversation.
May God bless the memory of
Joanne Negstad, good and faithful servant.
1 comment:
What a wonderful tribute. Beautiful and inspiring.
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