
Joanne Ardis Pieske, age 78, of Shakopee died on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 in La Crescent. Joanne was born on Aug. 19, 1944, in the back seat of the family car in Wright County (on her way to the hospital) to Alfred and Martha (Johnson) Nelson. Joanne was the fifth of eight children and grew up on the family farm in French Lake Township. She attended country school and graduated from Annandale High School in 1962. Joanne married Dean James Pieske on Oct. 10, 1964. They settled in Cyrus and their family grew to include daughters Jodene and DeeAnn. Joanne worked for the school district and as a nursing assistant. The family suffered a tragedy when Dean died in Oct. 1977. Joanne’s life had always revolved around her family, but she and her daughters became even closer. She loved going to their games and activities and spending time with them. Joanne eventually left small town life and moved to the big city in Oct. 1991, settling in Shakopee. She was employed by Datacard for 20 years. Besides attending her grandchildren’s many activities and special events, she enjoyed monthly luncheons with her high school classmates. Zumba classes at the Y were a favorite for her, although going out afterwards for coffee may have been even more fun. Joanne enjoyed watching sporting events with her family, especially Vikings games. In her retirement years, Joanne had a summer place on French Lake, on land that was once the family farm. She enjoyed drinking her morning coffee while overlooking the lake and attending evening bonfires with family and friends. Joanne was the family historian and kept track of birthdays, addresses, marriages, etc. for a family of well over one hundred members. She organized the annual Nelson family reunion and would drop subtle hints on what food to bring. Her Hip Hugger Bars were a family favorite. Joanne is survived by her loving daughters, Jodene Pieske of Shakopee, and DeeAnn (Tony) Schimmel of Cologne; grandchildren Sydney (Sam Kamal) Jacobson, Megan Jacobson, Carolanne Jacobson, and Ian Jacobson; brothers Dennis (Kathy) of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Ronald (Gretchen) of Fridley, Les (Gloria) of Annandale, and Clair of Annandale; sister Joyce (Ric) Rynders of Acampo, California; brother-in-law Michael (Jan) McGuire of St.Cloud; sisters-in-law LeAnn (Dennis) Bye of Hancock and Peggy Pieske of Hancock; many nieces and nephews; and scores of cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Martha Nelson; husband Dean Pieske; father and mother in-law Leonard and LaMae Pieske; sisters Diane Hoiland and Arloueen McGuire; brothers-in-law Dave Hoiland, Arlan Pieske and Darrel Pieske; sisters-in-law Anne Nelson, LuAnn Nelson and Glenice Pieske; nephew Steven Rynders; and niece Janel Rynders. A celebration of Joanne’s life will be held on Friday, Sept. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Shakopee Community Center, located at 1255 Fuller St. S., Shakopee.