Age 87, of Inver Grove Heights,
Passed away surrounded by family on July 20th, following a long health decline while in hospice.
Joan Zaharopoulos was born in 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, to Anthony and Mary, immigrants from Greece. After her high school graduation, she began working in a downtown office building where she met her future spouse, Gordon Challeen, while riding in an elevator. Lovely sparks flew and they were married within a year.
The early death of both her parents, as well as her new married life led her to Gordon’s home state, Minnesota, which was very different from Chicago. Joan said the transition was not easy and involved adjusting to small town Mankato, while Gordon finished college at Gustavus Adolphus College. They eventually moved to the “big city” of St. Paul where Gordon was employed at 3M for his entire career. They started a family, and it wasn’t long before they bought their one and only house in Inver Grove Heights.
Joan’s greatest joy came from family. She and Gordon raised three children, Michael (Kate), Kathryn (Joe), and Linda (Denny), and Joan adored each of her grandchildren and great-grand-children. Grandchildren include Nicole (Eric), Michael (Tiffanie), Raina (Bobby), Claire, Tony, Morgan and Alex. Great-grand- children include Lila, Logan, Mae, Selma, Mora, Gwenyth, and James. Joan was predeceased by her husband, Gordon Challeen, and her parents, Mary and Anton Zaharopoulos. She is survived by her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to ninja-level home-making (a cleaner home would be hard to find), and outstanding food labeling skills (keeping 3M post-it notes in business), Joan enjoyed crafting, passing along many heirlooms to family members over the years. She also was an excellent baker, which made her house a big draw for the kids in the neighborhood. Notable in a long list of cooking favorites, her wonderful baklava recipe, Christmas-time rosette cookies, and the special way she prepped lamb chops for grilling, will remind us of her every time we gather as a family over a meal that includes one of those delicious items.
No services will be held at this time, with a private interment to be scheduled. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to DeathWithDignity.org or one of your own meaningful charities.