Joan M. Och

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Joan Mary Och, who passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at the age of 87, surrounded by the love of her family.

Joan's kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a remarkable gift for making others feel loved, valued, and supported. Whether offering wise guidance, words of encouragement, or simply a comforting presence, Joan was someone people naturally looked up to and could always count on. Her warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Joan lived just down the block from the boy who would become the love of her life. Although she and Mike grew up as neighbors, they did not truly get to know one another until high school. They married when Joan was just 18 years old and shared 68 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Joan devoted herself to raising three sons and twin daughters while creating a home filled with love and laughter. She was deeply involved in her community, serving as a Girl Scout leader and as both a leader and treasurer for TOPS, a nonprofit weight-loss support organization.

Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. Since 1969, Joan was a devoted parishioner of St. Columba Church, where she served as president of the Women's Club, coordinated funeral luncheons for more than ten years, distributed Holy Communion, coordinated the parish prayer line, and participated in perpetual adoration. She found great joy in serving her parish and caring for others.

As her children grew older, Joan embraced many interests, including traveling, bowling, sewing, reading, and creating a variety of art projects. She worked as an administrator at MyTana Manufacturing, later as a receptionist at The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, and also enjoyed success as an Avon representative and sales leader, where she built many lasting friendships.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ann Sentman.

She is lovingly survived by her husband of 68 years, Michael C. Och; her sister, Carol McShane (Jerry); her five children, John Och (Shari), Ron Och, Michael Och (Zina), Ann Schumacher (Jeff), and Sue Kolles (Brett); her eleven grandchildren, Sarah Rupp, Miles Och (Shannon), Taylor Och (Samantha), Christie Clapsaddle (Cory), Tony Och, Andrew Och (Liz), Mikey Och, Stephanie Gawtry (Peter), David Schumacher, Michael Kolles (Jillian), and Rachel Painter (Michael); and her 9 great-grandchildren, Griffin, Sophia, Theo, Emma, Wendy, Graham, Linnea, Claire, and Bowen.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joan will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 4 at The Church of St. Columba, 1327 Lafond Ave., St. Paul. Visitation will be at the church from 9-10 AM Tuesday. Interment will take place immediately following Mass at Calvary Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at Ideal Hall, 1494 N. Dale St., St. Paul following the interment. Ideal Hall will be open at 11 AM for those not going to the cemetery. Punch and coffee will be available until the luncheon starts around noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Church of St. Columba.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at United Hospital for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided Joan throughout her extended illness.