Joan Marie (Pittman) Bykowski

Joan Marie Bykowski, 73, of Elk River, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024, with her family by her side. 

Joan was born on March 2, 1951, in Durand, Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Irene (Bauer) Pittman. She graduated from Durand High School in 1969 and attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, graduating in 1973. There she met the love of her life, Tim Bykowski. They married on July 24, 1976, in Durand. Together, they began their teaching careers in southeastern Wisconsin before settling in Elk River, Minnesota to start a family. 

Joan worked as a speech therapist in the St. Michael-Albertville School District for more than 30 years. She valued her connections with fellow teachers and found fulfillment in enhancing her students' lives—many of whom kept in touch well into adulthood. 

Joan had a passion for baking, which she shared with her daughters from an early age. Her monster cookies and holiday cookie trays were famous with family and friends. She also loved doing puzzles, traveling, and spending time at the family cabin in Hackensack, Minnesota. 

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; as well as her older brothers, Jack Pittman, Robert Pittman, Wayne Pittman and Bernard Pittman. She is survived by her husband, Timothy Bykowski; daughters, Megan and Adria, their spouses Troy Giesegh (Megan) and Paul Jonas (Adria); and grandsons, Macallan and Rawley Jonas.  

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the Dare’s Funeral Home in Elk River. Services will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 12:30 pm. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Elk River with visitation 1 hour before the service. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dare’s Funeral Home of Elk River, MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralhome.com.

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