Joan Ciola, 93

Joan Maxine Ciola, 93, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Monday, December 4, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Joan was born August 29, 1930 in Fremont, Nebraska to Henry and Amelia (Nelson) Selvy. Joan met Lou Ciola in Omaha, Nebraska while he was playing professional baseball for the Omaha Cardinals. They married in Omaha and Lou’s baseball career took them all over the country. Eventually they landed in Austin, Minnesota where they raised their seven children.

In the early years of their marriage, Joan stayed home to care for their children. She was an exceptional cook and an avid baker. She was very creative and enjoyed making costumes for each of her children. Joan and Lou’s favorite times together were their trips to the grocery store and then going home to cook elaborate meals for their friends and family to enjoy.

As the kids grew older, Joan’s career in the restaurant business started as a manager at the Country Kitchen. Lou, Joan and their son, Louie purchased a restaurant of their own in downtown Austin called the Golden Parrot. Later, they transitioned into a fine-dining experience called Ciola’s Ristorante. Joan is remembered for her sense of humor, infectious smile, and welcoming nature.  She truly cared about her customers and was well-respected for her strong work ethic.

Joan’s greatest joy was her family and she always placed her family ahead of herself.  She loved going to all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. She was a devoted mom and grandma and her legacy will continue to live on through them.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Amelia Selvy; husband, Lou; daughter, Sandy Ciola Starns; son, Louie Ciola, Jr.; granddaughter, Angie Starns Ryan; brother, Rod Selvy and sister, Bonnie Sukstorf.

Joan is survived by her son: Mike Ciola of Clear Lake, WI, daughter: Denise Ciola (Gene Sonnen) of St. Paul, MN; son: Dan (LeAnne) Ciola of Austin, TX, and their children, Tony (Cristina) (and their children Adriana & Anthony), Joey, and Paul; son: Nick (Jean) Ciola of Minnetonka, MN and their children, Vito, Vinnie, and Gianna; son: Joe (Mali) Ciola of Austin, MN and their children, Alexander and Anthony; daughter-in-law: Cindy (Steve) Gleason and her children with Louie, Dominic and Louis III (Nicole); and Sandy’s grandchildren: Ashley (Josh) Wolf (and her daughter, Anna Jo) and Lauren Ryan; many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 9th at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Andrew Beerman officiating. There will be a luncheon in Jennings Hall following the interment service at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Friday from 4 – 7 pm and at the church Saturday morning one hour prior to the service.