Joan M. Dean

Joan M. Dean of Kalamazoo went home to be with her Lord and Savior September 29, 2024. Born March 10, 1937, she was the daughter of Earl and Hazel Dean. 

Joan grew up in Kalamazoo and graduated from Plainwell High School. After high school she worked at Harry W. Taylor Company for five years before heading off to Central Bible College in Springfield, MO where she learned sign language, and later worked at A/G Gospel Publishing House. After a couple of short-term jobs, Joan moved to Gambrills, MD, beginning a printing career at the Washington Post newspaper where she retired more than 30 years later. She moved back to Kalamazoo in 2014. 

Joan loved her family and friends, interpreting for the deaf, traveling, Tiger baseball, cross-stitch, and puzzles - spending several of her last years working puzzles for the jail ministry to ensure all the pieces were there.

She is survived by her niece Debbie (Jim) Stowe whom she called “Sister”, and several grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Leona, and brother Howard. 

 In memory of Joan, donations may be made to Calvary Bible Church, Kalamazoo Michigan.

 A private burial service will be held at Riverside Cemetery. 

Please share memories of Joan with her family at www.langelands.com