Joanne D. (Cotéa) Ripley

“Allow the light and the healing presence of Christ to shine brightly through your lives. In that way, all those who come in contact with you will discover the loving kindness of God.”

— St. Pope John Paul II

Joanne Delvina (Cotéa) Ripley, 90, of Otsego, passed away at home on Friday, 15 November 2024.

Joanne was born on 28 December 1933 in Dayton Minnesota. She was baptized, received first communion, and was confirmed at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dayton, Minnesota. She married Frank Ripley on 11 May 1957 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Joanne’s greatest joy was her strong Catholic faith, and family was very important to her. Frank and Joanne shared a mutual love and respect that is rarely matched. She so loved and delighted in her grand- and great-grandchildren. Joanne also valued friendship; from her first roommates who were her lifelong friends, and many other friends through her various moves.

Joanne thrived on reinventing herself with a focus on becoming a better person. She was a voracious reader. After 15 years in Maplewood, she and Frank purchased a resort in Nisswa. Joanne discovered that she excelled at managing a 16-cabin resort while raising six children. She went on to become a paraprofessional in Nisswa and Brainerd schools. She was an excellent baker and seamstress – creating baked goods and many quilts over the years for family and friends. Joanne was considered by many as a cherished friend.

Joanne is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Frank; their children, Ellen (Bruce) Johnson, Nancy (Jerry) Doucette, Ann Ripley, Paul Ripley, Lisa (Clark) Schmidt, Carrie Ripley; 20 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester David Cotéa and Isabel Julia (Bistodeau) Cotéa; and her six sisters and brothers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, 23 November 2024, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Elk River. Visitation will be held at the Church starting at 10:00am, with her Funeral Mass at 11:00am. Family and friends are invited to share lunch and memories at St. Andrew’s after the Mass.  Final interment of her cremains will take place at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dayton following the luncheon.

As you remain with Jesus, dear Joanne, you will be forever in our memories.

In lieu of flowers, Joanne requested donations be made in her name to any Catholic Charities program.

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