Joan J. Stephenson

STEPHENSON, Joan J.
Of Portage Passed away Friday evening, March 8, 2013. Joan was born September 6, 1934 in Parma, MO the daughter of Richard and Goldie Bare Stricklin. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and worked for many years at the Elzinga and Hoeksema Greenhouse. Joan enjoyed researching family history, NASCAR racing, watching the Detroit Tigers, and hockey. On October 4, 1954 she was united in marriage to her loving husband, Robert Stephenson who preceded her in death on February 24, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a sister and brother, Carol Johnson and Donny Stricklin. Joan is survived by her children, Cindie Griffin, Robert Stephenson; grandchildren, Nick Stephenson, Emily Newton Hall, Mike Wolfe, and Brian Wolfe; sisters, Doris Jake Elzinga, Kathy Walz, Linda Stricklin; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake St. with Msgr. Michael Hazard, Celebrant. Interment will follow in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Friends may meet the family Wednesday evening from 5-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church.