Violet Joan Augusta Kreger, 57
Joan passed peacefully amid the sunrise Friday, February 1, 2013 at Rainy River Health Centre, at the age of 57. Joan was born on February 13, 1955 in Baudette, Minnesota to Albert and Anne (McLean) Kreger. Joan grew-up in Harris Hill, part of a large loving family which had become an important part of the Lake of the Woods community. She enjoyed traveling abroad in her younger years, visiting Europe and the tropics. Joan met her husband John Swentik, whom she was with 29 years, in the summer of 1984; on January 15, 1989 they were united in marriage. Born later that year was her pride and joy, her son Ethan Kreger Swentik, whom they raised in Rainy River. Joan spent 33 years working as a nurse at the long-term care center in Baudette. Joan enjoyed yard and auction sales and anything that was a good deal. She was an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed boat rides on the lake. Throughout her life she pursued higher education receiving her Bachelor of Arts from Lakehead University in 1997. The passing of her parents left Joan a selfless individual, always putting her family and the care center residents before herself.
Joan is survived by her son Ethan Kreger Swentik, husband John Swentik, sister Carol (Len) Kuorikoski, brother Robert (Carolyn) Kreger, three nephews, five nieces, four great-nephews and a great-niece.
Predeceased by her parents, her uncles Hubert and Clarence McLean, her aunt Violet Nicholas, her grandparents Sarah (Campbell) and Frank McLean and her much missed baby brother.
A celebration of life will take place Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 1pm at the Bergland Hall with Northridge Funeral Home in charge of arrangements and Carolyn Kreger officiating. Interment will take place in the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Rainy River, this spring.
If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Rainy River Locum House (PO Box 488, Rainy River, ON, P0W 1L0) or the Rainy River Health Centre (PO Box 236). Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com; any memories or stories of your time with Joan are appreciated.
