JoAnn Margaret Gonsoski

Gonsoski, JoAnn Margaret (Nelson) age 77, beloved wife, mom, and Nana, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, following a heart attack. She was surrounded by the love of her family as she entered Heaven.

Preceded in death by her parents, Virginia and A. Edwin Nelson, and her brother, Gerald Nelson. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Matthew; her three daughters, Holly (Steven) Bergstad, Julia (Brian) Stobbe, and Robin Gonsoski; and her greatest joys in life, her grandchildren: Addison, Sydney, Luke, Emmitt, and Lucia. She is also survived by her sisters, Marilyn Ubel and Andrea (James) Simmer; her brother, Edwin (Debra) Nelson; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

JoAnn was a natural athlete and competitor from an early age. She began speed skating at the age of eight and competed through age eighteen, earning 16 trophies, 37 medals, setting two records, placing third at Nationals, and winning numerous city and state titles. Her love of sports continued throughout her life. She competed in swimming, track and field, softball, and bowling as a proud member of the 600 Club, and later enjoyed downhill skiing, golfing, and archery. She approached life with the same energy and curiosity, always keeping up with new technology, trends, and the world around her. True to who she was, she celebrated her 50th birthday by doing a one-handed cartwheel.

As much as she loved competition, nothing compared to the love she had for her family. She loved her three daughters with all her heart. Some of her happiest memories came from the adventures they shared—camping trips, time at the lake, ski trips to Lutsen and the mountains, traveling to California, exploring Banff and National Parks, and all the memories made along the way. She loved creating experiences with her girls, and those adventures became some of their most treasured memories.

After retiring from 3M, JoAnn and Matt enjoyed spending time together golfing in California, Florida, and Arizona. They also shared adventures traveling to Hawaii and throughout Europe.

More than anything, JoAnn loved being Nana. Her five grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. Whether she was cheering from the sidelines, celebrating their accomplishments, or playing a game with them, she made each grandchild feel deeply loved and uniquely special. Family was always her greatest accomplishment and her greatest joy.

JoAnn crossed the heavenly finish line—her final race—and she won it.

A visitation will be held at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church (ELCA), 1669 Arcade St, Saint Paul, MN 55106, US, on July 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at the same location on July 23, 2026, at 11:00 am. Lunch to follow and all are welcome.

A committal service will take place at Union Cemetery, 2505 Minnehaha Ave E, Maplewood, MN 55119, US, on July 23, 2026, at 2:00 pm.