It is with sadness that we announce that Joan passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026 in Royal University Hospital with her family by her side.

She was born June 2, 1957 in Birch Hills, Sk. to Verner and Norma Arnestad of Hagen, Sk. Joan attended elementary school (in Hagen and Birch Hills) and high school in Birch Hills. Joan became a registered nurse in Regina after which she worked in Kelowna General Hospital; Holy Cross Hospital and Children’s Hospital in Calgary; Red Deer Regional Hospital, Royal Columbia Hospital in New Westminster, B.C.; Rocky View Hospital in Calgary and Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon in N.I.C.U. Following retirement from the hospital she worked part time with Neighborhood Home Care, finally retiring in the fall of 2024.

Joan and John spent many summers at their Christopher Lake cottage where she enjoyed swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, gardening and visiting friends and relatives. She had a love for Camp Kinasao where she and her boys attended camp as well as Sunday worship. She played a huge role in planning the Arnestad Reunion in Hagen and also the Gjesdal Reunion at Camp Kinasao with over 100 attending. Joan enjoyed all sports including skiing, skating, golfing, pickle ball and slow pitch. She even tried hot air ballooning. Joan had a special talent for entertaining friends and family especially planning parties. She played piano and sang in the church choir. She passed on her talent and appreciation for music to her sons. John and Joan cruised to Turkey and Greece in 2024, travelled to South America, Europe, the Caribbean and made several trips to Mexico on vacation.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, John, of 39 years and her two sons, Adam and Spencer. She is survived by her sister, Louise (Stewart) Adams of Birch Hills, and two brothers, Robert (Terry) Arnestad and Peter (Kathy) Arnestad of Hagen, Sk. as well as several nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her parents, Verner and Norma Arnestad of Saskatoon, Sk. in 2017. Joan will be missed dearly by her sisters-in-law Mary McLearie, Nancy Ondrusek-Deacon and family.

A Celebration of Life will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 812 Preston Ave., Saskatoon.

It is a true honour for Cherished Memories to be entrusted with the care and arrangements for Mrs. Joan Ondrusek.