Joan Haak

Doris Joan Haak (Hounslow) was born on May 8, 1935 in Cambridge, England the daughter of John and Doris (Ginn) Hounslow. Although her birth name was Doris Joan she always went by Joan.

Growing up she attended an all girls’ school in England. As a young woman she met Ronald Haak while he was serving his country in England and the couple was married. In 1962 they moved to the United States and on July 19, 1977 Joan officially became a United States Citizen.

Joan's endless love, care, and kind-hearted personality with her English accent is what touched your heart, and drew you in the moment you met her whether at church, at her various jobs, recently at Ben Franklin’s, or around town. She will be remembered as a strong petite English lady who would tell you if she didn’t like something but in the nicest way. Through her English heritage she passed on traditions to her children, grandchildren and friends and enjoyed sharing "proper tea time" with them.

After the passing of her husband Ron in 2008 —Joan opened up like a beautiful garden flower. She loved being independent, driving to visit friends, shopping and being her joyous self with family and friends.
To her grandchildren she will be forever known as the gracious Nanny Joan. She was never judgmental, understood the next generation and their issues and was one of the best people to talk to - she always had a way of saying the right thing. Everyone will remember her love for cooking, especially the English Yorkshire puddings. She also had a love for baking, and her specialty was wonderful desserts of homemade pies and doughnuts that she always had on hand. Joan’s always giving heart enjoyed sewing aprons and knitting scrubbies for others.

Joan peacefully passed by her daughter’s side at The Grand Arbor in Alexandria, Minnesota. She is survived by her son, Cameron (Angela) Haak, step grandchildren: Ava & Lilly of Mechanicsville, MD; daughter, Candee (Keith) Severson of Owatonna, MN; grandchildren: Tricia (Steve) Leanger of Eden Prairie, MN, Troy (Alexandra) of Charleston, SC, Trina of Dallas, TX.
Her husband, parents and brother, Richard, preceded her in death.

A Celebration of Joan’s Life will be held on Friday, August 4, 2017, 3:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Garfield. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.
To an evermore, joyous life in heaven, we pray for Joan and thank her for all of the happiness she has brought to our lives.