Joan Marie Bridell

life story

Lovingly known as “G Jo” to her family and friends.

Joan Marie Bridell was born and raised in Cedar Rapids to John and Irene Doran. She enjoyed dance and swimming growing up. She often talked about how much she enjoyed the annual family summer trip to a cabin in Wisconsin where much swimming and fishing was done. She attended college at the University of Iowa. After college, she married John Bridell and they made their home in Minneapolis, where they raised six children.

Joan was an active member of Holy Name Parish for many years. She enjoyed writing, flower arranging, and crafts, and was lovingly known as “G Jo” to her family and friends. She remained active and involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, creating many cherished memories.

She worked as a legal secretary for many years, and after retirement, she moved to Hill City in northern Minnesota for a number of years. Eventually, she moved back to Minneapolis. Her final years were spent at Jones-Harrison Residence.

In addition to her children, she is survived by 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, her brother Don and his wife Fran and many nieces and nephews.

She is remembered for her kindness and extraordinary ability to see the good in everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her grandson Michael, her parents John and Irene, her husbands John and Howard, her sisters Mary and Gladys and brother Ralph.

Thank you to the staff at Jones-Harrison for the loving care you provided Joan in her final years.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, May 29th, 11:00 AM, at the Church of Holy Name, 3637 11th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN. In tradition of Joan's love for summer family picnics, a picnic will follow the services at Minnehaha Park.

memorial service

Funeral Mass

May 29, 2026

Church of the Holy Name 3637 11th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA

Picnic to follow at Minnehaha Park Wabum B

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services