Joan Hartert

Joan Hartert, 91, of Rollingstone, entered into her eternal home on September 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 7, 1934, in Plainview, MN, to John and Emma (Hielscher) Pletsch. Mom is leaving a beautiful legacy.

Mom married, Robert "Bob" Hartert, on September 25, 1954, in Plainview, MN. Together, they raised six children on the family farm. Mom was the heart and soul of our family. She dedicated her life to loving and raising her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her life's greatest pride and joy.

Mom was a mother of faith, teaching us to live by the Golden Rule, patience is a virtue, when God closes one door He opens another. She signed all her greeting cards "God Bless" and had a special devotion for missions and feeding the poor.

Mom counted her every day blessings, embraced an attitude of gratitude, saw silver lining in ups and downs of life, believed everyone is doing their best and many hands make little work.

She will be remembered for her warm hands, heart and hospitality. Mom hosted all the family holidays, including our last homecoming Christmas. Many of our friends were welcomed through the years for the holidays.

She will be remembered for being a wonderful homemaker and gifted cook and baker, canning garden produce, and all the labor of love for family. Her signature dishes were homemade bread, buns, caramel rolls, salsa, tomato cocktail juice, German potato salad, and Rollingstone Dressing.

Mom loved her country home where the corn fields were her "fortress." She loved gardening, sweet corn, ice cream cones, movies and popcorn, flowers, especially sunflowers, quilting and cheering on grandchildren and great-grandchildren at sporting events.

Mom was a member of the Holy Trinity Parish and quilting club. After her children were raised, Mom worked as a home health aide for Winona Public Health Nursing Service for 20 years, where she was rewarded both professionally and personally with some lifelong friendships.

She is survived by six children, Cheryl Hartert of Winona, Dan Hartert of Rollingstone, Carolyn (Dave) Czaplewski of Eagan, Joel (Jeanne) of Rollingstone, Mary Sue (Karl) Goss of Burnsville and Jodi (Terry) Peshon of Minneiska; eight grandchildren, Aaron (Theresa) Henderson, Chad (Brityn) Czaplewski and Carly Czaplewski, Paige (Lorenzo) Gomez and Alec Hartert, Zach Goss and Rachel (Ben) Krusell and Makenna Peshon; 14 great-grandchildren, Abraham, Noah, Nathan, Brendan, Olivia, Luke, Mary, Elise, Lauren, Christian, and Rita Henderson, Caden Czaplewski, Leo and Sloane Krusell; sister, Marlyn Lehnertz; Brother-in-Law, Tom Hartert, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mom is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob Hartert; siblings, Elaine Senst, Mike Pletsch, and two infant brothers, Arthur and James Pletsch.

In lieu of flowers, Mom would love for you to share a smile in her memory. Memorials will be directed to Mom's favorite charity.

Family would like to extend our sincere thank you and appreciation to St. Anne's Benedictine and Winona Health Hospice for wonderful loving care and compassion.

The grace of God shines through mom's humble, loving, joyful spirit and smile to every life she touched.

Because of you Mom, we know what's at the heart of a good life - faith, family and love; all that are true and lasting.

"God Bless"

Visitation will be on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone, MM from 4pm-8pm with a Rosary to follow. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, September 8, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone, MN at 11am, with visitation beginning 1 hour prior. Joan will be laid to rest next to her husband, Bob at Holy trinity Catholic Cemetery.