Joan Tape

Joan Lois Tape, age 79, of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on October 18, 2025.

Joan was born on November 14, 1945, in Rush City, Minnesota, and graduated from Johnson High School in St. Paul in 1963. In 1971, she married Dennis Tape, and together they made their home on a spacious homestead in River Falls, Wisconsin. Joan and Dennis shared many adventures, including weekends at the races with family and friends and countless days tending their yard and gardens with their beloved dogs—mostly loyal shepherds—by their side.

Joan spent her entire career in the brewing industry, working for Hamm’s, Olympia, Stroh’s, and Summit. She took great pride in her work and never hesitated to enjoy and support the beers she helped bring to others—later in life, she especially enjoyed a simple, cold Miller Lite. Joan also looked forward to salmon fishing trips on Lake Michigan, where she made lasting memories with friends.

After Dennis’s passing in 1999, Joan returned to Minnesota to be closer to family. In 2017, she moved into her cherished home in Lake Elmo, where she enjoyed her retirement years reading, knitting blankets for loved ones, and creating spaces of beauty with her signature eye for home décor. She loved to shop, garden, and lend her “green thumb” and design sense to anyone who needed help.

Joan will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her independence, and her ability to take on any challenge with determination and grace. She had a generous heart and a natural talent for making her surroundings warm and welcoming.

Joan is survived by her son David Raether (Mary Lou); stepsons Dennis Tape (Carol) and Tim Tape (Shelley Hendrickson); granddaughter Brooke Tape; siblings Karen Fredette, Dennis Kruse (Dorothy), Janet Wheaton, Marilyn Spelios, Gary “Red” Kruse (Marcy), Corliss Heckel (Tom), Larry Kruse, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Tape; her parents Lois and Gordon Kruse; and her nephew Kenton Morris.

A graveside memorial service for Joan will be held at 11:00 AM at Tiffany Cemetery, Hwy 170, Boyceville, WI. Following the service, a luncheon and celebration of her life will take place at The Phoenix, 2095 10th Ave, Baldwin, Wisconsin.

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