Joanne Elizabeth Kendall

Joanne Elizabeth (Milton) Kendall lived her life savoring each moment and died peacefully in her home on September 23, 2026. She self-identified as Me-Jo-Mom-Gram- GG Jo, shorthand for the many roles she has played in her 96 years of life. Born on August 20, 1930, to John Swanson Milton and Una Elizabeth (Sodergren) Milton in Minneapolis, MN, Jo grew up alongside her sister Lois and went on to graduate cum laude from Augustana College in 1952. She spent the following years teaching English, Music, and Physical Education in Minnesota and Illinois before marrying John Seedoff Kendall in 1953. As they raised their growing family, they spent three years in Michigan, before they settled in St. Peter, MN, where John first taught, then became President of Gustavus Adolphus College

Joanne re-entered the workforce as Department Manager at the Gustavus BookMark, where she immersed herself in both work and student life. Joanne pursued studies in Aging and Adult Learning, earning her master's degree in Adult Education from the University of Minnesota. She applied her learning through organizations dedicated to aging, adult day care, and gerontology.

In each season of her life, she discovered and rediscovered herself, always encouraging others to do the same. Jo understood that each person's life is not a disconnected experience, but part of a longer story, braided into "cord of humanity" that stretches well beyond the individual. She had a mindset of always becoming, as an active pursuit of the newness of each stage of life, each day, and each new relationship. Her questions for people and institutions close to her awoke a contagious sense of wonder. Her faith and sense of identity also evolved to meet each moment, as she learned more about herself and the changing world around her. Even up to the end of that "cord," Jo expressed an acceptance of, and friendship with, her mortality.

She found deeply rooted purpose in involvement with others, through her living and faith communities, and with her family and friends. She was invigorated by long conversations and thoughtful engagement, always with a clear vision of what can bring people together. Her career as an adult educator helped her build the skills of co-learner, encouraging others to stay curious and continuing deeper understanding; in most recent years, working with the Resident Council at the Waters of Highland Park, advocating for older adult residents at her Senior Living Facility. Jo was the epitome of a lifelong learner and instilled that quality in each of her family members and friends.

One of her greatest teachers was water itself. Jo was an avid swimmer, delighting in all bodies of water. She was most fond of the waters of Sand Lake, where she and her husband John bought a log cabin that remains a transformative place for beloveds to come together with the woods and the waves. That place, and her spirit in it, embody the sacred to be found in peace and quiet-the holiness of the steady breath, slow movement, and an open mind. The open mind she cultivated there and beyond enabled her to look for meaning in all people, places, art, literature, questions, and perspectives.

Joanne is survived by her three children, Mary Kendall (VA), Peter Kendall (Pam) (NC), and David Kendall (Audrey McConnell) (CA); five grandchildren, KJ (Kendall Joanne) Adler (DC), Emily Kendall Nelson (Nick) (MN), Erik Kendall (Christina) (NC), Mark Kendall (Jennifer Black) (NC), and Elsa Kendall Oliveri (Steve) (MN); and five great-grandchildren, Hazel and Waylon Nelson, Elle and William Kendall, and Hannah Lee Kendall. She will be interred in the family plot with grandparents, parents, her sister Lois, and her husband John at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis in a private, family gathering.

The family expresses gratitude to The Waters of Highland Park and Brighton Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN. Please honor Joanne by seeking out new knowledge, finding peacefulness every day, and sharing your insights with others.

A Celebration of Joanne’s Life will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Avenue South, St. Paul, MN on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 10 a.m.