Josephine A. "Joann" Kirch

Josephine A. "JoAnn" Kirch, age 84 of Arden Hills, died peacefully on Friday morning, October 23, 2020, at Johanna Shores Senior Living. Josephine A., the daughter of Louis and Barbara (Eckart) Raway, was born on June 20, 1936, in Hastings. Following her homeschooling education due to her illness, JoAnn worked at the Hastings Creamery as a bookkeeper. In 1970, she bought her first vehicle that allowed her to drive with controls on the steering wheel. While attending a social event in Mexico, she met her future husband Thomas "Tom" Kirch, and they were married on September 12, 1971. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona and Tom later preceded her in death on November 17, 1987. JoAnn eventually moved back to Minnesota for medical reasons and to be closer to family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom; siblings, Francis, Luella, and a brother in infancy; and by her nephew, Lyle Raway JoAnn is survived by her sister, Sister Monica Raway, OSB; nieces and nephews, Sharon (Gary) Illa, Bob (Jeanne) Raway, Bill (Cheri) Raway, Charlie (Carol) Raway, Sue (Richard) Jones, Barb Schaack, and Theresa (Bill) King; the extended Kirch family, Theresa (Dan) Kegley, Lisa (Michael) Swirtz, and Mary (Ron) Funk; and by many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2020, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 7180 Hemlock Lane North, in Maple Grove. JoAnn will be laid to rest with Tom in Phoenix at a later date. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.