Joan Sarff

Joan Shirley (Schmidt) Sarff passed away unexpectedly on May 5, 2021. She was born on December 23, 1935, in Pine River, to Henry and Elise Schmidt, the first of six children. The family moved to Pequot Lakes where she graduated from high school. Joan then attended secretarial school in the Twin Cities. During this time, she met Air Force Sgt. Eugene H. Sarff. They married on December 26, 1953, in Pequot Lakes. The next month they got orders for Lowry AFB in Colorado. Over the course of their military career, they were stationed at 17 different Air Force bases in 25 years. Together they had 3 children. Joan and Eugene retired to Pequot Lakes in 1970.

Joan was known for her many years of service work through the Pequot Lakes Legion Auxiliary and was a beloved lunch lady for several years at the Pequot Lakes High School. She was also a member of Glenda’s Clown Troupe for many years.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven Sarff; daughter, Linda Hecimovich; and brother, Alan Schmidt. She is survived by daughter, Sherry (Bill) Savage; siblings: Jack (Glenda) Schmidt, Earl (Debbie) Schmidt, Paul (Nancy) Schmidt, Jane (Ken) Ness; sister-in-law, Betty (Sarff) Fisher; grandchildren: Mike, Elise, Kayla, Laurie; great grandchildren: Autumn, Colby, Rylee, Theia Rose; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held from 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, June 5, at Kline Funeral Home, Pequot Lakes.