Joan Marie Cranny Huelsebusch, 74, of San Diego, California, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, July 21, 2025, surrounded by family and dear friends. She was born November 22, 1950, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the oldest child of Patrick James Cranny and Mary Jean Cranny (née Kauth).

She was baptized and confirmed at Little Flower Church in Sioux Falls, where her faith began and remained important to her throughout her life. Joan attended Little Flower Grade School until sixth grade, when the family moved to Canton, South Dakota. She continued her education at C.C. Jacobsen Middle School and graduated from Canton High School in 1969. She went on to attend the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1973.

After graduation, Joan moved to Arizona and began her career at Motorola in the Phoenix area. In 1981, she relocated to San Diego, California, and began what would become a 40-year career with Control Data, later SAIC, where she served as a program manager. Her brother Mike once asked, "What are you going to do with a non-teaching degree in English?" Joan answered that question with a life of purpose and productivity. One of her favorite roles was writing the operations manual for the Trident submarine series, a project that blended her precision, creativity, and confidence.

Joan married fellow SAIC colleague John Huelsebusch, and together they raised two sons, Tyson and Ethan Huelsebusch. They spent many memorable summers at their cabin on North Long Lake in Minnesota. After John's passing in 2002, Joan embraced the next chapter with travel, treasured time with her grandchildren and close friends, and the constant companionship of her beloved dogs - Benson and his namesake, Benson II. She was a gracious host, known for welcoming friends and neighbors into her home for meals, celebrations, and conversation. In Glenwood Springs and beyond, the people in her neighborhood became like family.

She was a phenomenal cook, best known for her perfect pecan pie and her mom's potato salad. No one could "supervise" a kitchen quite like Joan. She was also extremely proud of her grandchildren.

Joan is survived by her sons, Ethan (Amanda) Huelsebusch and Tyson Huelsebusch, both of San Diego, California; her grandchildren, Jayde, River, and Emma; and her siblings: Michael Cranny (Deb) of Brainerd, Minnesota; Timothy Cranny (Toni) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Mary Ellen Cranny Paul (Ed) of Phoenix, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Huelsebusch; her parents, Patrick and Mary Jean Cranny; her sister, Kathleen Ann Mooney of Dayton, Maryland; and her brother, Joseph Patrick Cranny of Plymouth, Minnesota.

Her life was full of family, travel, relationships, work, and love. Joan embraced every chapter with grace and joy, building deep connections and creating lasting memories with those around her.

Joan's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her gentle spirit, unwavering support, and compassionate heart will be remembered always.

All are welcome to attend a funeral Mass on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 11451 Blue Cypress Dr., San Diego, CA 92131. A luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall.

A memorial and ash interment service will be held in the summer of 2026 at St. Patrick's Cemetery, 408th Avenue, Cavour, South Dakota 57324