Joann Bastian, 86, of New Ulm and formerly of St. George, died peacefully surrounded by her family
on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Woodstone Senior Living in New Ulm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am Saturday, March 8th at St. George Catholic Church in St.
George with burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be 4 - 7 pm Friday and 9:30 - 10:30 am Saturday at the Minnesota Valley Funeral
Home NORTH Chapel in New Ulm.

Joann is survived by her husband Willard Bastian of New Ulm; children Michael (Anna) Bastian of St.
George, Mary Kay Reiff of Minneapolis, Connie (Thomas) Holmgren of North Mankato, and Joseph
(Natalie) Bastian of St. George; grandchildren, Abby (Matt) Holmgren, Allison (Trey) Strei, Audra
Bastian, Ila Reiff, Erik Reiff, Elizabeth (Cody) Holmgren, Megan (Billy) Bigham, Claire (Austin) Bastian
and Aidan (Emerson) Bastian; great grandchildren, Adeline, Eloise, Amelia, and Henry; and a brother,
Donald (Margaret) Michaletz of Owatonna.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a great granddaughter, Frances Bigham.

Joann Shirley Michaletz was born September 30, 1938, in New Ulm to John and Evelyn (Schneider)
Michaletz. She was united in marriage to Willard Bastian on May 21, 1960, at the Cathedral of the
Holy Trinity in New Ulm. Together they raised their four children on the farm. Joann enjoyed baking,
bowling, swimming, gardening, volunteering, and acting in plays at the St. George Holyland Dinner
Theatre. Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her family.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the Woodstone caregivers, the Allina Health Hospice team and
family friend and caregiver Mary Struss for all the kindness, compassion and patience shown while
caring for Joann. To leave condolences online for her family or to sign the guestbook go
to www.mvfh.org. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Allina Health Hospice or the St.
George Catholic Church.

Even though Joann grew up as a city girl, she was the happiest being in the country on the farm.
Blessed be her memory.