Eckberg, Joan Lerol Age 80, of Edina, left August 15, 2020, on her greatest adventure. Preceded by sister, Mary Anna Eckberg, survived by husband, Paul B Johnson, children, Thomas (Michele) Kersten, Kathryn (Scott Shumaker) Kersten, Heidi (Donald) Bringman and Megan S. Johnson, grandchildren, Charles and Annette Kersten, Grace and Ryan Bringman, and brother, E Daniel Eckberg. Born March 27, 1940, in Minneapolis, Joan was a graduate of Washburn High School and Gustavus Adolphus College. She was an accomplished sculptor and photographer. Joan was very proud, as a senior citizen, to be a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho, Africa 2002-2004. With a genuine interest in other cultures, Joan and Paul spent many winters as long-term medical volunteers in Africa and India. She especially loved all sizes of animals, humor, rain and daisies. Though Joan enjoyed people and stimulating conversations, it was solitude she sought and where she learned the most. A family service will be held. Memorials preferred to Global Health Ministries- Parkijuli Hospital, Assam, India, 7831 Hickory St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432. "I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says; "There, she is gone!" "Gone where?" Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There, she is gone!" There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout; "Here she comes!" - Henry Van Dyke

Published on August 26, 2020