Joan M. Austin Gruter

Joan M. Austin Gruter, age 83, of Mankato, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at New Perspective Senior Living in Mankato. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Mankato, with Fr. Tom Melvin, Celebrant. Joan’s family will greet friends on Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of services at the church. Following the Mass all are invited to stay at church and join the family for food and fellowship in the auditorium. Arrangements by Woodland Hills Funeral Home of Mankato. www.woodlandhillsfh.com

Joan was born in Fairmont, MN on July 16, 1942, to Leo and Rose (Huschka) Austin. Joan attended St Mary’s Catholic School and then Worthington High School and graduated in 1960.  Joan married George Galema on July 23, 1960. Joan and George became loving parents of Jeffrey in 1961, Jacalyn in 1962, and Jay in 1964, and were proud of their family. Joan later married Dr. Arnoldus Gruter on December 24, 1997.

Joan was a devoted Mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She nurtured a lifelong love of learning. After her children were grown, Joan worked at Minnesota State University, Mankato bookstore where her love for books and the campus inspired her to return to college. She earned a bachelor's degree and later her master’s, hoping to inspire her grandchildren to pursue higher education. Joan was the manager of the children’s book section at the Maverick Bookstore and cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially reading to them. Joan was kind and caring, had a green thumb, and enjoyed being outside amongst flowers and plants while soaking up the sun’s rays. Her personal style was unmistakable and often reflected in the red dresses and clothing she loved to wear.

Joan is survived by her children Jeffrey, Jacalyn (Scott) Sonnek, and Jay (Robin).  Grandchildren Kathryne, Kassandra & Kristiana Galema, Zachary (Melissa) Sonnek, Matthew (Adrianna) Sonnek, Melissa (Schuyler) Houtsma, and Sara (Tyler) Halvorson.  Great-grandchildren Margot, Carmella, Rylee, Mazikeen & Archer.  Sister Janice (Tom) Murray, brother Lynn (Darla) Austin, and sister-in-law Lynda Austin. Nephews Patrick, Scott, Christopher, and William and nieces Leslie, Lyndsey, Lesley, Danielle and many other relatives and friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her second husband, Dr. Arnoldus Gruter, brothers Leslie (Lynda) Austin, Larry and Lenora Austin and their daughter Sara Austin, sister Mary and husband Kim Crofts and grandson Lucas Sonnek.

We are extremely grateful for the St. Croix Hospice staff and the kind, loving, and compassionate care you provided for our Mom. The grace, tenderness, and sensitivity you showed her is something we will never forget and will forever be grateful for. Thank You!