Obituary of JoAnn Marie Passon

Passon, JoAnn M. (nee Zitzman) 
Age 91, of St Michael, MN, peacefully passed away June 3, 2024. Survived by her husband Richard, her children Kim (Tim) Froemming and Scott (Carla) Passon, her grandchildren and great grandchildren; Nick (children Olivia, Genevieve, Vivienne and Leo) Kelli (Michael) McGill (children Shelbi and Austin) Michael Froemming (Karolina) (children Ethan, Layla, Joelle), Tony (Erin) Passon (son Jack) and Alex (Anne) Passon (children Max and Beau). She was preceded in death by her parents; Leo and Marcella Zitzman, brother Lyle Zitman and her daughter Jacqueline Passon. 
JoAnn was known for her kindness, generosity, optimism, positive nature and deep connections with anyone she encountered. 
JoAnn was born in Wabasso, MN on May 30, 1933, to Leo and Marcella Zitzman. She looked up to her brother Lyle. It was in looking up to Lyle that she learned a love of sports which remained with her throughout life. From her parents she learned about Jesus. Her faith comforted her and gave her strength. She shared her faith with her family, and it was the center of her life.  

JoAnn graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in education. She became a Phys Ed teacher.  

JoAnn and Dick married on June 25, 1955. Their first home was in River Falls, WI where she enjoyed her first teaching job. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Brooklyn Park, MN. JoAnn was active in her church parish at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. She specifically loved singing in the church choir and participating in church musicals. She was an avid golfer and bowler. She also loved to play bridge. The ladies in her card clubs meant the world to her and she enjoyed the comradery every time they got together.  

In 2002, JoAnn and Dick moved to St Michael, MN. They joined St Michael Catholic Church. JoAnn again joined the choir. 

JoAnn enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren grow. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, her compassion, her love of sports and music and for her faith. 

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, 6/18 11am with visitation 1 hour prior at St Michael Church 11300 Frankfort Pkwy NE, St Michael MN.