Joan Doreen Pederson passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at Evergreen Knoll in Cloquet.

Born in Duluth on December 16, 1936, to John and Alice (Herold) Moran, Joan was raised in the Duluth Heights neighborhood, where she grew up surrounded by close cousins and the warmth of a large extended family. She graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1954, where she achieved many accolades, was Head Majorette and crowned Athletic Queen.

Joan dedicated over four decades of her professional life to banking, working at Park State Bank and North Shore Bank, where she was known for her reliability, kindness, and commitment to her community.

She shared a wonderful life with her beloved partner, Dennis DeGrio. Together, they built a life rich in love and family. Their home was the heart of many holidays and family gatherings—always full of laughter, stories, and enduring love. She cherished the many lively gatherings had with her siblings and cousins, full of riotous laughter and lasting memories.

Joan found great happiness in supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their many sporting events and milestones, always cheering them on with pride and joy.

Joan’s legacy of love, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her. The family remembers her as "the best Mom, Nana, and Great-Nana in the world."

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Cheryl Robinson; her life partner, Dennis DeGrio; and her cousin and lifelong friend, Joyce Peterson.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her brother Terrence "Butch" (Terri) Moran; her daughters Stephanie (Dale) Kallio and Denise Watkins; her son Jay Pederson; her grandchildren John DeRosier, Kristine (Jordan) Baird, Kyle (Christina) Pederson, and Courtney Watkins; and her great-grandchildren Max DeRosier (and his mother Rebecca Richards), Noah and Hudson Baird, and Nora Pederson; Kathy (DeGrio) Simich and the extended DeGrio family; Shelley Bissell; John Watkins; Allyn Pederson; best friend Donna Puhl; and many other cherished family members and friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Evergreen Knoll for the compassionate care Joan received since 2024 and St. Croix Hospice in her final days.

The memorial service will be held May 21, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Proctor Blackwoods (195 US-2, Duluth, MN 55810) with a luncheon and social to follow. Inurnment at Oneota Cemetery.

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