Joan was born in Delano, Minnesota, on March 10, 1921, the 8th and last child of Charles and Theresa (Pogreba) Kunkel. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Allen (Moon) Merriman, and seven siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Merriman (Edward) Wetter, and son, Jeffrey, as well as grandsons Dean (Michelle) Wetter, Dustin (Nomi) Wetter, Patrick Merriman and granddaughter, Gina Merriman Meinhardt. She lived to enjoy four great grandchildren – Megan, Monroe, Brady and Baylor, who fondly called her GG (Great Grandma), as well as many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.

She was baptized, received First Holy Communion, was Confirmed into the Catholic faith and married Allen Merriman in St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano. She attended St. Peter Catholic School through 8th grade and graduated from Delano High School. She worked in the office of the Delano Granite Works and then worked for 18 years as a legal secretary in Delano, leaving that position to move to Hemet, California, to be with family.

Joan was extremely patriotic and in the late 50s she joined the Delano American Legion Auxiliary and served as President for two years. In 1976 she was elected President of the 10th District and led the district to an all-time high membership, traveling 9,000 plus miles by car throughout the district. She attended national conventions in Seattle and Denver and in 1977 she served as Department of Minnesota Communication Chairperson.

Starting a new life in Hemet, she and Allen (Moon) managed a mobile home park until his death in 1994. Always wanting to be involved in helping others, she joined the Altar and Rosary Society at Our Lady of the Valley and soon after was chosen to serve as Parliamentarian for approximately 30 years, and also held other offices in that organization, serving as president three times. She began attending meetings of the Riverside Deanery and the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women with other Altar and Rosary Society friends. She served as President of both organizations, as well as served on the Parish Council. She became a member of the Hospitality (Greeters) group, and was an Eucharistic Minister. She was a member of Church Women United and served as Parliamentarian. She also helped support the church by playing Bingo weekly, as health enabled.

The Hemet Hospital Auxiliary opened a gift shop in 1983 and she joined that organization, volunteering in the gift shop for ten years and was awarded a life membership. Joan outlived three other organizations in Hemet – the Catholic Daughters, the Columbianettes, and Concerned Senior Citizens of Hemet, serving as Vice President for that organization.

Whew, needless to say, our ambitious granny didn’t sit on her fanny!

A Mass of the Resurrection was held at 11 am on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano, Minnesota, with a rosary to begin at 8:45 am and visitation from 9-11 am. Inurnment followed at Calvary Cemetery and a repast was held at the Delano American Legion Club.

Joan’s family would like to thank you very much for your condolences and friendship. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association or charity of your choice.