Joan M. Liimatta, 74, of Aurora, died peacefully on August 20th, 2010, at North Memorial Residential Hospice in Brooklyn Center, MN, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born September 5, 1935, in St. Paul, MN. She is survived by her children, Holly (Paul) Harms, Daniel (Joy), Brian (Amy); grandchildren Kelsey, Sarah, Jacob, Rachel, Natalie, Anna, Matthew; brothers Donald (Donna), David (Arden), and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Leslie. Joan graduated from Macalester College in 1957 and was a math and computer science teacher in Aurora for more than 30 years before retiring in 1996. She was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and generously shared her time and talents working with Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, Library Board/Friends of the Library, and High School Knowledge Bowl. One of her passions was traveling and learning about different cultures. She traveled with many friends to Europe, Australia, and numerous locations across North America. She enjoyed playing games with her family and was an avid Bridge player. She will be remembered as a dedicated mother and devoted grandmother who led by example, teaching the values of a good education and strong faith in God. Visitation Wednesday 5:00-7:00 pm Ziemer Moeglein Shatava Funeral Home, Aurora. Funeral Thursday, Noon, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Aurora with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Aurora. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Aurora Public Library or Habitat for Humanity.