Joanna Freedman

Joanna Lee Freedman (nee Haire)

Joanna was suddenly called home to her Savior on February 3, 2022, where her salvation has been made complete! The baby of the family, born to Jerry & Keta Haire on April 24, 1980 in Coon Rapids, MN. Appropriately named Joanna by her father, meaning “Gift of God”, she was the answer to her mothers’ fervent prayer for another child. Her childhood began in Ham Lake, and at age 7 they moved to Andover. She attended and graduated from Meadow Creek Christian School where many lifelong friendships were made. Joanna earned her degree in Business Administration at Crown College in St. Bonifacius where she met the love of her life, Josh Freedman. They were married on June 4, 2005 in Stillwater, MN. She worked at Metro Dentalcare and continued on to Target Corp. They welcomed their first born, Liv Violet, while living in Hudson, WI. The greatest career decision she ever made was to leave Target and stay home fulfilling her highest calling as a full-time mom. Luke Gerald followed two years later while living in Stillwater. A job with Josh’s family business, Grapevine 7, moved them to Meridian, ID where Josiah Adair & Ivy Florence completed their family. In the fall of 2020, they returned to Minnesota and settled into their home in Dellwood.

Joanna’s heart for people was unmatched. She found great joy and fulfillment in hosting people in their home around the table. To say Joanna was a “foodie” is an understatement. Preparing and consuming food was a huge passion of hers. She delighted in flavors from all over the world whether prepared by her in her kitchen or a night out. Joanna leaves a gaping hole in her family and circle of friends who will all miss her witty and quirky sense of humor. Her compassion spilled over to all of God’s creatures, the most important to her were many fur babies. Above all, Josh and the kids were her pride and joy. She intentionally loved and invested in each one wholeheartedly.

She leaves behind many broken hearts. Husband, Josh and their four children, Liv (8), Luke (6), Josiah (3) and Ivy (1) Freedman; mother, Keta (Turbak) Haire; siblings, Kevin (Gena) Haire, Sheryl (John) Lecy and Steve (Ana Laura) Haire. She treasured each niece and nephew. They include, Amanda (Tyler) Ganz, Emily Haire, Sarah (Matt) Cook, Kyle (Terissa) Lecy, Connor (Jessica) Lecy, Chas (Kasey) Lecy, Naomi (Manuel) Ortega, Eli (fiancé Ada LaChapelle) Haire and Micah Haire. She was the best Great-Auntie to 16 great-nieces and nephews. And loved her loyal friend Ranae Volk.

She truly cherished her Freedman family. Kent & Dianne (Moore) Freedman, Trish Baker and her sons, Cody and Brent, Ben Freedman and his children Ethan and Audrey.

Joanna reunites with her beloved father Jerry Haire; a precious unborn child, her brother-in-law Aaron Freedman, grandparents Charles & Florence Turbak, Russell & Ruth Haire and several aunties.

We welcome you to celebrate her life with us at Rockpoint Church, Highway 36 and Keats Avenue, Lake Elmo, Minnesota on Friday, February 11, 2022 with a visitation from 10am-12pm, Service at 12:00pm with lunch to follow.  The livestream of Joanna's service is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr0PPZkH-k0&authuser=0

To honor Joanna’s legacy, Josh requests donations to Morelia Home for Children instead of flowers. You can give by check made out to: Morelia Home for Children or online at https://moreliahomeforchildren.org/donate/.