Joan Olivia Nagorski

Joan Olivia (Holt) Nagorski, Crosby, formerly of Worthington, died Friday, February 15, 2013, at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby. She was 65. Joan was born May 23, 1947, in Minneapolis to Donald and Lucile (Yngve) Holt. She graduated from Big Lake High School in 1965. She married Stan Nagorski on Dec. 10, 1966, in Big Lake. They had two children, Kathryn and Michael.

Joan was a proud stay-at-home mom and child care provider until her children were of school age. She then worked more than 10 years as a ward secretary at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center. Joan returned to college with her children in the 1980s and graduated from Brainerd Community College and St. Cloud State University with a degree in education. She was proud of this accomplishment and loved teaching. She taught elementary classes in both the Crosby-Ironton and Worthington Public School Districts. Joan was a member of American Lutheran Church, Worthington, and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Crosby.

Joan lived to spend time with her family - her grandchildren, children, siblings, cousins, fellow teachers, birthday club, and church members. She was the family historian, photographer, and librarian. She wrote a book of memories that will forever be cherished. She loved to spoil her grandchildren, to travel with friends, and to collect - angels, books, tea cups, spoons, and friends.

Joan faced cancer with great dignity and bravery. Cancer was not able to steal her faith, hope, love, kindness, friendship, or eternal life. And it never touched her unwavering spirit. She taught many who touched her life - in Worthington, at Heartwood, at CRMC - how to face every day with a spirit of fighting.

She is survived by her children, Kathi (Steve) Leary, Nisswa, and Mike (Darci) Nagorski, Big Lake; grandchildren, Logan and Emma Nagorski, and Matthew Leary; brother, Donald (Elizabeth) Holt, and niece, Angellica Holt, Brainerd; sister, Jean (Terry) Nagorski, Longville, and nephews, Dean Nagorski, and Dan (Julia) Nagorski; and great-nephew, Silas.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lucile, Don, and Margaret "Marge" Holt.

Services will be 11 am on Friday, February 22, 2013 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby with Pastor Paul Mattson officiating. Friends may call from on Thursday from 4 to 7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the Koop Funeral Home, Crosby and one hour before services on Friday at the church. Memorials are preferred to ... Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund or donor's choice.