Joanna Elaine Mensink, 53, of rural Spring Valley, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 11, 2019, surrounded by her family and friends.

Joanna was born May 1, 1965, in Dixon, Illinois, to Roberta and John Smith Sr. Joanna and her family settled in Minnesota in 1992. On June 3, 1995, Joanna married Brent Mensink at Saetersdal Lutheran Church in Harmony, Minnesota.  Together they united their families and raised three children and many animals.

She enjoyed sewing, camping, fishing, gardening, crafting, collecting, cooking and entertaining family and friends. Joanna had a special love and bond for animals and would have stories to tell about all of them. Joanna worked as a cook, housekeeper and caregiver. She will be best known for her spunk, strength and perseverance.

Joanna is survived by her husband, Brent Mensink, rural Spring Valley; daughters, Amber Thompson (Dan Erdman), Spring Valley, and Jennifer Mensink, Spring Valley; son, Steven (Mandy) Mensink, Austin, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren; brother, Jacob Smith, Alta Vista, Iowa; sister, Dolly (Rick) Hovey, Lime Springs, Iowa; father and mother in-law, Marlo and Janice Mensink, Preston, Minnesota; sister in-law, Andrea (Steve) Atwood, Spring Valley; brother-in-law, Derek Mensink (Rachel Bishop), Lino Lakes, Minnesota; sister in-law, Natalie (Jeff) Atwood, Spring Valley; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and one nephew.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Saetersdal Lutheran Church, 21477 County 30, Harmony, MN 55939. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Memorials are preferred to the family.