JoAnne Lenore Brekke, 73, of Pillager, died Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at her home.

A memorial service was held March 9, at the Casino Assembly of God Church, with Pastor Dan Johnson officiating. Burial will take place at Bridgeman Cemetery in the spring.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.

JoAnne was born April 30, 1936, in Grantsburg, Wisc. to Arnold and Dorothy (Johnson) Swenson. On March 31, 1959, she married Richard Brekke in Minneapolis. She worked as bookkeeper for the family steel fabricating business. She was also a mother to many college students who needed someone. She enjoyed going to Lund’s to meet with her “coffee pot” friends, gardening, sewing, cooking, teaching Sunday School and being actively involved in the church and especially entertaining her children, grandchildren, and friends.

JoAnne is survived by two sons, Richard Brekke of Minneapolis; Randy (Sherry) Brekke of Richfi eld; one daughter, Virginia Brekke of Pillager; five grandchildren, two great grandchildren; one sister, Kathleen Silvers of Georgia and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, in 2001; and two brothers, Gordy and Jerry.

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