Joan Ellyn Syverson

Joan Ellyn Bringedahl Syverson of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away February 9, 2015. Joan was born on May 8, 1940 in Muskegon, MI to Joseph and Edith Bringedahl. She graduated from Redford High School in Detroit, Michigan in 1958 and then from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 1962. She was Vice President of her sorority Pi Kappa Tau. She was a very active member of the Luther League, traveling to bible camp and national conferences.

Joan started her teaching career after graduation in West Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. After her marriage in 1963 she relocated and began teaching in Lexena, KS. She was active in her local Lutheran church and was a volunteer for the youth group accompanying young teens to national conferences. Joan soon embarked on her most joyous job, becoming a Mother. She had three children and was extremely active in their activities being a volunteer for boy scouts, campfire, girl scouts, soccer, church and school activities.

She started her next life adventure by becoming a single mom and returning to school and work. She obtained her real estate license in 1987 and was an active member of the Tulsa Real Estate Association. Joan worked in commercial real estate as primary bookkeeper for Bauer & Associates for over 20 years. She finally retired from this position in 2012.
Joan was an extremely active member at Bethany Lutheran Church, where she served on the Altar Guild, and became president of the American Lutheran Church Women Association in 1982. Her love of all things Lutheran continued throughout her life. Joan served on the board of the Tulsa Meals on Wheels organization from 1980-1982.
Joan was known for her quick wit, hysterical laughter, her love of breakfast, Christmas decorations, and ice skating. She was extremely proud of raising three very resilient and kind children. She was not a rich woman, but she was rich in character, substance and never gave up.

Joan is survived by son Jay R. Syverson and wife Martha; daughter Lynn M. Wallace, and husband Dan; and daughter JoEllen “Joey” R. Kanter and husband Michael and Grandchildren Connor P. Wallace, Matthew H. Kanter and Joshua R. Kanter and April N. Syverson.

The family wishes to thank Rita Temple and Christa Zirk for their enduring friendship, the loving and devoted staff at the University Villages, the many organizations and individuals who have touched our lives the past two years, and Dr. Jihad Khattab and staff. Visitation is at Schaudt- Teel Thursday, February 12th from 5-7 PM 5757 S. Memorial Dr. and Funeral 10 AM at Fellowship Lutheran Church 6727 S Sheridan Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to the local charity that assisted in our breast cancer walk: Assistance in Healthcare at www.assistanceinhealthcare.org P.O. Box 700392-0392 Tulsa, OK 74170-0392