Obituary for Joanne E. (Griggs) Eickhoff, age 94

Joanne E. (Griggs) Eickhoff, age 94, of Pequot Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, Jan Eickhoff, with Jan by her side, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Lake Shore, MN. Joanne was born on July 22, 1931, in Anthony, Kansas. She was the cherished daughter of Lucian and Julia Griggs of Williams, MN, who provided a loving and supportive environment throughout her lifetime. Joanne completed her education at Williams High School, graduating with the class of 1949. Following her graduation, she pursued higher education at Bemidji State Teachers College, which is now known as Bemidji State University. There, she earned a baccalaureate degree in education in 1953, focusing her studies on both physical education and business. 

In July 1953, Joanne married her high school sweetheart, Loran Eickhoff. Together, they had three children: Jeff Eickhoff (Mounds View, MN), Lynda Wilson (Pequot Lakes, MN), and Jan Eickhoff (Lake Shore, MN). Joanne chose to be a stay-at-home mother, providing care and support for her family until each child reached school age. She then began her full-time Special Education teaching career in 1966, continuing until her retirement in 1993. Together, Joanne and Loran designed and built their family cabin on Lake Ossawinnamakee in Crow Wing County, MN, which was enjoyed by the family for 45 years. After retirement, they became snowbirds, spending winters in Mesa, Arizona, for 15 seasons after purchasing a winter home there. 

Joanne was known to all for her kindness, gentle spirit, and quick wit. Her love for her family was unwavering, and her appreciation for her friends was evident in the way she nurtured and cherished those closest to her. Now at peace, Joanne leaves behind a legacy of warmth and compassion and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. In her final days, Joanne reflected fondly on her journey, stating, “I’ve had a great life.” Let us raise a toast to her cherished memories and honor a life well lived.

Joanne is survived by her daughter, Jan Eickhoff of Lake Shore, MN; her son-in-law, Pete Wilson of Pequot Lakes, MN; sisters-in-law, Avis (Luvern) Eickhoff of Bemidji, MN and Eileen (Harvey) Wilmar of Warroad, MN; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucian and Julia Griggs; her husband, Loran Eickhoff; her son, Jeff Eickhoff; her daughter, Lynda Wilson; her grandson, Samuel Eickhoff-Mazariego; brothers, Robert W. (Nona) Griggs and Donald (DiAnn) Griggs; brothers-in-law, Luvern (Avis) Eickhoff and Lawrence (Janet) Eickhoff; sisters-in-law, Nona (Bob) Griggs, Janet (Lawrence) Eickhoff, and DiAnn (Don) Griggs.