Johanna B. (Goepfert) Haupt

Johanna Haupt of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died peacefully at the age of 89 on March 29, 2022, after a long illness. She spent her last days surrounded by family, wearing a constant smile on her face.

Johanna Bernice Goepfert was born October 5, 1932 in Belleville, Illinois, the youngest of five children. She married Norman James Haupt on June 7, 1952. He predeceased her on September 24, 2020. She was also predeceased by her parents, her brothers, Benjamin and Carl Goepfert, and her sisters, Delores Hardre and Georgia Short.

Jo was a graduate of Elmhurst College (now Elmhurst University) in Elmhurst, Illinois. She earned her master's degree in library science from Western Michigan University in 1971 and served as an elementary school librarian in the Kalamazoo public schools for twenty-seven years.

Jo loved to read and could often be found with a book in her hands. She was also a very expressive reader to others, namely to her children, her grandchildren, and her students. She enjoyed traveling with Norm and they journeyed afar, taking trips to France, Hawaii, Alaska, to Florida and South Carolina to golf, and to the west coast among other places. She loved spending time with her family, talking and playing cards and games. If her adult children were coming to visit, she would bake their favorite cookies. Christmas was always a special, festive time; Jo put so much love into decorations, cookies, and other goodies for everyone.

She loved going out to eat, especially for breakfast. The backyard was dotted with bird feeders and she would often watch the birds through the kitchen window. She enjoyed playing golf and bowling and participated in leagues for many years. She loved dogs, especially beagles and American Eskimos.

Jo is survived by her daughter, Karen Thompson (Bradley), and her sons, David Haupt (Courtney), Eric Haupt (Debra), and Steven Haupt, as well as fifteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Comfort Keepers for their care of our mother over the last two years. A special thank you goes to Cynthia and Christina for their care of both our parents.

By Jo's request, cremation has taken place. A private celebration of Jo's life for family and friends has taken place. To view Jo's personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com