Joanne E. (Polcher) Macki

Joanne Elizabeth (Polcher) Macki, age 92, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026. Joanne was born on October 22, 1933, to Tony and Rose Polcher in Hibbing, Minnesota. She graduated from Hibbing High School in 1951. Following graduation, Joanne pursued her passion for helping others by attending St. Luke's School of Nursing in Duluth, where she earned her degree as a registered nurse in 1954.

Joanne married Gerald Macki on May 12, 1956, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in her hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota. After starting their family in Hibbing, they purchased a home in Cambridge, where they raised their five children. Joanne remained in that home until her passing. The couple shared 54 years of marriage until Gerald's passing in June 2010.

Joanne's life was filled with family, service, and joy. She dedicated her early career to nursing and continued to keep her nursing license current even while staying home to raise her children. Her faith and service were central to her life. She was an active member of her church, attended Mass regularly, and instilled a strong sense of faith in her family. Her commitment to serving others also included leading both Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops when her children were young, as well as volunteering for decades with the Women's Guild at Christ the King Catholic Church in Cambridge.

Her quick wit, homemade chocolate chip cookies, and cardamom bread were legendary. An avid gardener, Joanne found peace and beauty in tending her vegetable garden, and she delighted in solving puzzles, often sharing this pastime with friends and family. She loved celebrating every holiday with her family, making each occasion special and memorable.

Joanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald; her parents, Tony and Rose Polcher; and her siblings, Bud and Patricia Polcher.

A devoted and loving mother, Joanne's legacy lives on through her children: Margaret (Tony) Puhek of Chisholm, MN; Catherine (Jeff) McCann of Mora, MN; Michael (Kristy) Macki of Cambridge, IA; Patrick Macki of Cambridge, MN; and Joseph (Jennifer) Macki of Becker, MN. Her family was her pride and joy, and she embraced her role as "Grandma Jo" with a heart full of love for her 15 grandchildren: Erinn (Josh), Matt, Andrew, Emily (Andrea), Stuart (Zach), Katie (Adam), Alex (Shelby), Anna (Birk), Nathan (Madison), Claire (Zach), Keenan (Tegan), Trey, Kiah, Emma, and Elizabeth; 16 great-grandchildren: Abby, Conor, Hayden, Quinnley, Jaycee, Macie, Lennon, Skylar, Dawson, Callum, Emerson, Hayes, Riggley, Myles, Bexlee, and Harper; and one great-great-grandchild, Bria.

A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Joanne's life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Cambridge, Minnesota. A visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Women's Guild at Christ the King Catholic Church would be appreciated.

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