Joan Risty

Joan (Wagner) Risty went home on Tuesday afternoon, May 30, 2017 to join her parents, Lloyd and Lila (Marvin) Wagner and her sister, Jane Dempster. She shared her life with her husband, Roger Risty and their children, Cynthia (Mark Strack), Douglas (Cheryl) and Nancy. She delighted in her grandchildren, Chelsea (Adam) Glende, Colton and Hannah Risty. Joan was born on June 14, 1933 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was married to Roger for 63 years. They called Ft. Benning GA, Neu Ulm (Germany), Goodhue, and Cannon Falls their "home", eventually retiring in Sogn Valley. She was a longtime member of the Tuesday Club in Cannon Falls. Both Joan and Roger coordinated the 4th of July Parade in Cannon Falls, where Joan announced this grand event for 22 years.

Joan had a tender heart for furry, four-legged creatures large and small. As a young child she shared her father's passion for horses. She loved to watch birds, wildlife and the antics of her beloved pets and assorted farm-animal babies. She taught her grandchildren to appreciate nature, learning the phases of the moon, and where to find the delicate May Flower and Trout Lily. She loved a magnificent summer thunderstorm and the beauty of a winter snowfall, the vivid fall colors and the promise of spring. And she always found time to play a rousing board game with her grandchildren. Joan was very creative and loved to write short stories, paint, sew and craft. She was an accomplished pianist and pipe organist, and a voracious reader.

She will be remembered as the voice of the Cannon Falls news on KDHL radio. She recorded the news from her kitchen from 1960 until 2013, and started every broadcast with commentary on the weather. Frequently her dogs were special guests. Join us for a cup (or two) of coffee at a Celebration of Joan's Life Gathering on Sunday, June 4 from 1-4 p.m. at Lundberg Funeral Home, Cannon Falls. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cannon Falls Library or Cannon Falls Food Shelf. Joan's family is grateful for the compassionate doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic Health System (Cannon Falls and Red Wing), caregivers at The View and The Gardens, first responders, friends and neighbors. God bless you.

Funeral Home: Lundberg Funeral Home 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd Cannon Falls, MN US 55009

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Sunday, June 4, 2017