Joan Eva Yabitsu

Joan was born on a homestead farm on July 2, 1932, and passed peacefully at her home on July 11, 2026 at the age of 94 (or as she would say - 49). Joan was born and raised in Rapidan, Minnesota. She attended Rapidan High School and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education at Minnesota State University - Mankato. In addition, Joan took courses at the University of Hawaii. Joan moved to California after college graduation and began a career as a teacher in Los Angeles public schools. She taught Home Economics, Interior Design and Business. Joan was a well-respected and fun-loving teacher and stayed in touch with several of her students.

She met and married her best friend and next-door neighbor, Chet in Manhattan Beach. Joan was married to her sweetheart for 55 blissful years until his passing in 2022. Together they traveled the world, camped across America in their RV and enjoyed club events. They were a pillar to their community, giving their time and talent to volunteering and keeping their neighborhood safe. Joan truly loved her friends and family, always willing to plan the next party.

Joan was an adventurer at heart; she loved roller coasters, collecting fine art, shopping, antiquing and sewing, including designing and making her own wedding dress, rivaling Audrey Hepburn! Along with her loving husband Chet, Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Lydia and Frank Reedstrom, sisters Shirley and Lorraine, brother Marlin, brothers in law Marty, Hermann, and Sam and sisters in law Charmaine, Sharon, Jan and Ginny. She is survived by her brothers Lowell, Bob (and wife Enid) and Dale, and many nieces and nephews.

A note from her nieces, Denise and Marce:

Joan was a second mother to us; the fun aunt who always remembered our birthdays and holidays, took us on many adventures and always had a story to tell. What we learned is that her generosity showed no bounds, always giving of her time and her life experience. It has been an honor being an important part of Aunt Joan and Uncle Chet’s lives, and we have been immeasurably changed for the experience.