Joan C. Toensing

Draft - Joan Rose Ellen Coyner Rochester Joan C. Toensing, 81, of Rochester, died Friday, March 16, 2012 at Pine Haven Care Center, Pine Island, MN. Joan was born November 12, 1930 in Waynesboro, VA to the late Arthur and Gertrude Coyner.She graduated from Waynesboro High School and attended Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana.It was there she met Sherm Toensing and they were married in 1951 in Waynesboro, VA. A wonderful cook and gracious hostess, Joan loved to entertain family and friends.Her recipes for various delicious treats were shared and are treasured.She loved sewing and knitting and her children and grandchildren were the recipients of her beautiful creations many times over.A faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 52 years, Joan often spoke of her lifelong faith and its importance in her life. Joan considered the raising of her children her finest accomplishment.She worked for over 20 years in Orthopedic Research at the Mayo Clinic providing the funds for all six children to receive college educations. Survivors include children, Ellie (Tom) Wilmeth of Grafton, WI; Nancy Toensing of Rochester, Sandy Toensing (John Leehman) of Blacksburg, VA; Scott (Kathy) Toensing of La Grange, TX; and Holly Toensing of Cincinnati, OH.Grandmother to Nate, Emma, Dane Leehman, Emily and Alex Toensing, and Cindy and Dylan Wilmeth and great grandmother to Samantha Leehman..Also surviving, her sister, Cris Bean of Bourne, MA and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Sherman Toensing, her son, Tom Toensing, her parents and brothers Bernard, Donald and Norman. Her children would like to thank the staff at Shorewood Senior Campus, Pine Haven Care Center and Mayo Clinic Hospice for their attentive care and, the many visitors who stopped by to visit with Mom in the past month. A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 20 at 4:00pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester.Visitation will be from 3:00pm until the time of the service.The Reverend Otte will be the officiant.A private burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church