August 13, 1927 - March 16, 2017
Joanne Louise Wittenborg (Bandow). Born August 13, 1927, died peacefully at her home in Richfield, March 16, 2017. Wittenborg was born in Rochester and raised on the grounds of what is now the Mayo Foundation House, where her father was a horticulturist and groundskeeper for Dr. William Mayo. She was a paraplegic for much of her life following a car accident as a teenager. Mayo family members took a personal interest in her recovery and she credited their care with influencing her future career as a speech clinician. In recent years she was interviewed as one of the few people alive who remembered the Mayo Brothers. Joanne worked for the St. Paul Rehab Center and Lake City Public Schools before retiring in Richfield. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Richard. She is survived by her children Jan Kirchner (Steve), John Wittenborg (Marjorie) and Andrew Wittenborg (Anne), as well as 6 grandchildren, Eric Kirchner (Kate), Scott Kirchner (Morgan), Laura Gilmore (Jon), Jack Wittenborg (Shelby), Elizabeth Wittenborg and Will Wittenborg; 3 great-grandchildren, Maeve, Cecilia and Payton Kirchner.
Burial will be at a later date in Lake City.
Memorials may be given to Richfield United Methodist Church.
Memorial Service
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
11:00 A.M.
Richfield United Methodist Church
5835 Lyndale Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55419
A luncheon will follow the service.
Visitation
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
10:00 - 11:00 A.M.
Richfield United Methodist Church
5835 Lyndale Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55419
May God bless all of you as you share the memories of your beautiful Mom. She was an inspiration to all.
A sweet and gracious woman who will be missed by so many family and friends, a privilege to know you Joanne. You are free from pain, rest in Jesus’ arms.
Mrs. Wittenborg was always dressed elegantly and such a lady. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on my speech throughout the years, and she laid the groundwork for them. How cool she knew the Mayo Brothers personally! I was so impressed just walking by the Mayo Foundation House and never did get a look inside. I am sure she remained an elegant lady who will be missed.