Joan Kathleen Cowger

Joan Kathleen Cowger, 60, of Grand Forks passed peacefully from this life surrounded by family and the compassionate caregivers of Sanford Palliative Care in Fargo, ND. Joan was born November 3, 1954, in Park River, ND, the daughter of the Late Dr. William Evan and Dr. Phyllis W. Cowger. She shared in the love of her large family of 13 children. She graduated from WCAS High School (with help from her twin brother) and received her degree in Education from NDSU. Joan was married to Michael Mertens and they owned and operated Felix's Restaurant until she moved to Grand Forks in 2009. She was a substitute teacher for GF area schools and worked part time in retail. Joan especially loved working with the students and staff at Sacred Heart School. Her most treasured gift from God, Zachary was born June 12, 1998, and he resided with Joan. She dedicated herself to Zachary and her faith. She said, "My job is to get him to Heaven." She is survived by her son, Zachary; siblings, Richard (Zaundra), Mary (Jorgen Dahl) Audrey (Orville Wilhelm), Jane, Ruth (Bob Hagel), Pat Sexton, John (Lynette Dickson) , Robert (Judy) and Mark Cowger; sister-in-law, Teri and numerous nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Roberta and brothers, William Lane and William Thad. **In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic School in East Grand Forks, MN. MEMORIAL MASS: 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 19, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Forks. VISITATION: 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. rosary service Thursday, June 18th at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. INURNMENT: (At a later date) Memorial Park Cemetery, Park River, ND.