Joan Katherine Korpi

Joan Katherine Violet Korpi, 71, of Lakeville, formerly of Cloquet, died peacefully in her home on Friday, February 27, 2015 surrounded by loving family. She was born November 21, 1943 in Esko. Joan loved collecting antiques and knick-knacks such as bells, salt and pepper shakers, unique glassware, gemstones, and jewelry. She also had a refrigerator door full of magnets from all the places in the world she and her family had traveled to. She loved the outdoors. In her younger years she enjoyed adventures such as riding motorcycles and taking hunting and fishing trips to Canada. Some of her great passions were flowers and gardening, cooking, baking, and above all, her family. She loved children and spent most of her life as a caregiver. She was also very artistic. She enjoyed classical music, played the clarinet, painted ceramics, and attended various craft shows and flea markets. Joan's enthusiasm and love for life was apparent in her positive attitude and strong spirit. She will be forever missed. Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Eino Korpi; first husband, James Pantsar; son, Jeff Korpi; parents, John and Violet Korby; and sisters, Gladys Kmetz and Bette Peterson. She is survived by her daughters, Kelli (Christine Mapes) Korpi and Amanda Korpi; twin grandchildren Genesis and Jude, all of Lakeville; siblings, May Clark of Grants Pass, OR, Nancy Brady of Cloquet, Karen (Eleanor Bryant) Heimbach of Salem, OR, Sandy (Steve) White of Braham, John Korby of Cloquet, Jim Korby of Spiro, OK, and Jack Korby of Cloquet; and some cousins, nieces, and nephews. Memorial Services were held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 in the Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St. Cloquet. A time of lunch and fellowship followed in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com