Joan St. Martin

Joan St. Martin, age 76, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, with her daughter and granddaughter by her side at Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home.

She was born on May 28, 1949, in Winona, MN, to Earl and Irene Ellringer, and was one of seven children raised in a close-knit family. Those early years helped shape her strong sense of worth and devotion to family. She later met the love of her life, Thomas St. Martin, and they were joined in marriage on April 26, 1969. Together they resided in Eyota, MN, where they built a life centered on commitment and family. Tom and Joan enjoyed trips to the casino, dinners out, or simply quiet evenings at home—so long as she was with Tom, her heart was full. She was a proud and loving mother to her children, James and Jennifer, who were the heart of her world.

Joan lived out her high school dream of becoming a nurse at Mayo Clinic. She attended St. Mary’s School of Practical Nursing, where her lifelong calling began. She dedicated her life to caring for others—being a nurse was not only her profession, but her purpose. She cared for her patients with compassion, patience, empathy, and grace, always putting others before herself. Joan left a lasting impression on every life she touched throughout her nursing career.

Joan’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and granddogs, all of whom held a very special place in her heart. She loved them unconditionally and took pride in every milestone, big or small, always eager to hear all about it. Joan made each one feel deeply loved. Whether two-legged or four-legged, each brought immense joy and happiness to her life.

She spent her final years at Samaritan Bethany, where she touched the lives of many. Everyone she met soon became her friend. The staff became her family and adored her witty sense of humor, kindness, and the fact that she always had something to say. If anyone was “The Boss,” it was Joan—if you wanted the latest news, just ask Joanie; she knew it all.

Joan was a woman of deep faith and cherished her Saturday night church Masses, which were her special time alone with the Lord. She lived a life grounded in kindness, strength, and humility. Her gentle spirit, unwavering love, and selfless heart will be remembered by all who knew her. She trusted God fully and His promise of eternal life and now rests peacefully in His embrace.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas St. Martin; her brother, Joel Ellringer; her sister, Judy Ellringer; and her parents, Earl and Irene Ellringer.

Joan is now reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her. Her legacy of love, service, and faith lives on through her family. She is survived by her children, Jennifer St. Martin of Rochester, MN, and James (Traci) St. Martin of Blaine, MN; her grandchildren, Thomas

(Danielle) Nelson, Jake Nelson, Allison (Kelvin Tran) Nelson, Jakob St. Martin, Braden (Beth)

St. Martin, and Isaiah (Kendra) St. Martin; her brothers, Francis Ellringer of Inver Grove Heights, MN, and James (Geri) Ellringer of St. Charles, MN; her sisters, Jane Spitzer of Rochester, MN, and Janet (Rick) Whitaker of Rochester, MN; and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on January 5, 2026, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Catholic Mass at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery following the Mass. The family kindly asks for prayers in Joan’s memory. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.