It is with both deep sorrow and hearts full of joy in her eternal Salvation, that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Joan Grace Drovdal, on November 7th, 2024, at The Dougherty House in Sioux Falls at age 82. Her Memorial Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service. A Catholic Daughters Rosary will be prayed at 9:45 a.m. before the mass. Inurnment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery.
Joan was born on July 13th, 1942, in Watertown, SD, to Herman and Regina Schaeffer. Joan married Kenneth E Drovdal on June 11th, 1960. To their union were born six children.
Mom’s focus was always family first. She was determined to keep our family together and provide for us. She did it by attaining her GED, then a certificate as a Certified Respiratory Therapist, all while raising children and working full time. She taught us tenacity and the value of a strong work ethic.
Joan was cherished by her “Six Pack”, as well as eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. She had a special bond with each and was blessed to be able to see them often.
Joan enjoyed a wonderful and full life. Her sincere love of history and reading evolved into her having made family history books going back several hundred years for all her kids.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Eugene and
Maurice (Corky) Lindner, Lloyd Schaeffer, and sister Anne McCullough.
She is survived by a brother, Carl Lindner, and a sister Toni (Keith) Halverson, as well as her six children; Lisa (Dan) Scott, Theresa Drovdal, Kenneth (Tammy) Drovdal, Dr. Cynthia (Bill) Maule, Bonita (George) Vasquez, and
Anthony (Jessica) Drovdal.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to the Dougherty Hospice House for their amazing care.