Marie Joan Schwelling

Joan Schwelling, 92, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ. Joan was born on Aug. 11, 1933, in St. Cloud, MN, to Margaret and George Pasch. She grew up on the family farm in North Prairie, MN.

Joan was a devoted wife to her husband, Kenneth, for 54 years, and a loving mother to her children: Mark Schwelling, Brenda Schwelling, Amy Schwelling and Kathryn Grunau. She was a cherished grandmother to Christa Strommer and Daniela Frank, and a proud great-grandmother to Liam and Julius Frank. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Mohin, daughter-in-law Deb Delsman, son-in-law Frank Grunau and grandsons-in-law, Stefan Frank and Philipp Strommer.

Joan dedicated her life as a registered Nurse to caring for others. She worked as the Charge Nurse Surgery evenings at Scottsdale North Hospital before her retirement.

Joan was a devout Catholic and attended Mass on a regular basis throughout her life. She also enjoyed sports. As a young woman, she was an avid dancer and was even known to waterski on the Mississippi River.

Joan was an energetic person and in addition to raising four children and working as a nurse, she also pursued many diverse goals and interests. She learned how to tap dance and joined an oil painting art class for which she had a genuine talent!

In mid-life, while working full-time, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Saint Francis and later went on to achieve her Master of Arts in Management (Thesis: Exploring Nurses’ Needs from a Management Group Perspective) from the University of Phoenix.

In her later years she discovered a hidden passion which she had been previously unaware of: her interest in History. She read many, many books regarding World History. She was in awe of all there was to be learned, quenching her thirst for knowledge and perhaps even finding some answers to her many questions.

Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Ken, her parents, one sister and two brothers.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the dedicated caregivers and wonderful staff at Beatitudes Campus, Phoenix, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider lighting a candle to the Virgin Mary in memory of Joan at your local church or Memorial website. Your prayers and warm memories are deeply appreciated.