Joanne Honsvall-Berg

Joanne Honsvall-Berg, age 79, died Dec. 1, 2023, peacefully, surrounded by family in Lake Elmo, MN.

Joanne “Jonie” was born in Grafton, ND on April 23^rd, 1944, to Ralph and Phyllis Honsvall. She moved to Grosse Pointe, MI in 1969, with her then husband, George G. Berg, where she co-owned a furniture and gift shop, called Something Special. After moving to Stillwater, MN, in 1990 to live closer to family, she found a passion in helping the community by working for the St. Croix Valley United Way. Through the United Way, she was an incredible advocate for people in need and, as the Director of Development, worked tirelessly on behalf of donors in the area. Joanne was active in the arts and retail communities in both Grosse Pointe and Stillwater and was a collector of fine art, furniture, pottery, and antiques.

Her hobbies and interests included cooking with family, gardening, sewing and crafts. She was extremely proud of her Norwegian heritage and spent time cooking and baking Scandinavian recipes and enjoyed spending time with the Sons of Norway. She devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to family members, including her daughter, Lisa, until she passed away at age 51.

Joanne is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Phyllis Honsvall and daughter, Lisa Kay Berg.

She is survived by her son, George Granger Berg II and his daughters, Madison and Amelia Berg; Lisa’s children, Kirsten (Brian) Burk, Corey Petro, Kevin Gardner, and her great-grandson Morgan Burk; her siblings Paul R Honsvall, Mary Lou (Paul) Sandager, and James M Honsvall, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A family memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Croix Valley United Way or the Sons of Norway. Special thank you to Lifespark Hospice.