Joan Theresa Barkovic, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 9, 2022 at Ridgeview Assisted Living in International Falls.
Joan was born in St. Joseph, Minnesota, on June 10, 1933, to Fred and Lucille Rassier. In 1934 the family moved to the Cingmars community near Littlefork. Joan graduated from Littlefork-Big Falls High School in 1951.
Following graduation, Joan moved to International Falls to take a secretarial position at Mando. It was here that Joan met her future husband, Robert (Bob) Barkovic in September of 1953. At that time Joan was secretary to the Director of Forest Management when Bob returned to his position in the Forestry Department after serving in the Korean War. They began dating that following Spring and were married on November 6, 1954 at St. Columban’s Catholic Church in Littlefork.
In 1955 the couple built a home in International Falls where they resided until Joan moved to the River’s Edge Villas just before her 80th birthday. Joan was well known for her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She had a green thumb and willingly shared her flowers and produce with family and friends.
Joan was an active member of Catholic Daughters for 60 years, serving in local and state offices and providing her fresh flowers and dried flower arrangements for many church events. In 1996 she was recipient of the Outstanding Catholic Daughters Award. That same year Joan also received the International Falls Citizen of the Year Award. Joan organized the Befriender Program at St. Thomas and volunteered every Wednesday at Good Samaritan Center. Joan treasured the many friendships she made through her volunteer work and enjoyed many years as a member of “The” Bridge Club.
Joan was a loving wife and mother who provided us with a great example of how to live in faith and to love and serve others.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Lucille Rassier; husband Robert Barkovic; brothers Virgil and Roger Rassier; daughter-in-law Rhonda Doll; and sister-in-law Carmen Rassier.
Joan is survived by her daughter Julie (Harold) Schumacher and son James Barkovic; granddaughter Emily Barkovic; sister Frances Eiden and brother-in-law Gene Eiden; sister-in-law Marguerite Rassier; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Ridgeview Assisted Living for the compassionate and loving care they gave to Joan. We are grateful for each and every one of you.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Interment will be at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery
If so desired, memorial donations may be directed to Backus Community Center, Falls Hunger Coalition or St. Thomas Catholic Church.
Condolences may be left on www.greenlarsen.com. Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.
