Joanne T. Walter Grubl, 79, Whitewood, was called home to be with her loving daughter Janet and her mother and father Fred and Mary Kenstler in heaven on July 23, 2014. Joanne was born on January 3, 1935 in Sturgis, South Dakota and as a child she grew up in Mud Butte. She also resided in Tuscon, Arizona, St. Onge, SD, Sturgis, SD to raise her family then most recently resided in Whitewood, SD.

Joanne was survived by her children, Nancy, Duane (Sonja), Mary Ann (Glen), Maureen (Mitch), Jackie, Maurice, Mark, and Daniel. She was also survived by 34 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren, and siblings; brothers, Maurice and Kevin, and sisters, Carol and Kathleen.

Joanne was also preceded in death by her husband Duane; her brother, Paul; and her sister, Maureen; grandchild, Jamie; and daughter-in-law, Cindy.

Joanne was a country girl at heart and would love to tell stories of living out in the country and the freedom of riding her horses out in the rugged prairie. She loved the ranch life, she was active on her son's ranch outside of Sturgis, where a familiar sight would be her walking around the ranch with a herd of bum lambs following close behind. Her patience and compassion for animals made her a natural when working with livestock.

Joanne was very active and well known in the area. She was involved in several community groups including VFW auxiliary, Cowbells, and the senior center. She was a devout catholic and heavily involved in her church. She was an extrovert and loved to be around people to either chat, drink coffee, or go out dancing. Her charisma, integrity, and infectious personality earned her numerous lifelong friendships.

Joanne's biggest passion was being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was the matriarch of her family and always tried to instill encouragement, patience, and self-respect in all her children either by teaching or leading by example. Joanne would never give up on her kids and was always their biggest advocate.

The viewing will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday July 28th with a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Father Timothy Castor officiating. Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery.

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