Joan Novak Kerr, 77, Velva died on Saturday, January 21, 2012 in a Velva nursing home.

Joan was born on May 3, 1934, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to John and Anna (Tomco) Novak. She was reared and educated in Irwin, Pennsylvania and graduated from North Huntington High School in1952. She graduated from Robert Morris Business College in 1954. She was employed in Pittsburgh, PA at a local bank and at Capital Finance in Pennsylvania.

Joan married Ronald Kerr on February 20, 1960 in Pittsburgh and made their home in North Dakota. They lived in Logan until 1964, when they moved to rural Velva, living there until being evacuated due to the flood of 2011. She was employed at the Velva Post Office where she served as Postmaster until her retirement in 1992. Ronald passed away in 2002.

Joan was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Sawyer, where she was also a member of the LWML. Her hobbies included crocheting, sewing, quilting, cooking, gardening and craftwork.

Joan's loving family includes her children: John (Dorothy) Kerr, Velva, ND; Carol Kerr, Austin, TX; Ronald Kerr, Yakima, WA and Robert (Kimberli) Kerr, Jordan, MN; grandchildren: Alicia, Amanda, Danielle, Austin, Samantha, Joshua, and Ashlie; great-grandchildren: Michael, Elizabeth and Kyrah; brothers: John, Jr. (Ann) Novak, North Huntington, PA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Funeral service: Monday, January 30, 10:30a.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church Sawyer.
Interment will be in the Velva Community Cemetery.
Visitation: Sunday, January 29, 2012, from noon until 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Velva Ambulance or Souris Valley Care Center.