Joan M. Koenigsknecht

When reflecting on the life of Joan Koenigsknecht, it is clear to see that she lived life to the fullest each day. She was frugal and wise with money, yet she was never concerned with building wealth or gaining possessions as it was simply loving others that was her main focus. Joan was a loving wife and devoted mother who treasured being a grandmother. She was bubbly, outgoing, and social, and she also had a large network of friends. Guided by an unwavering faith, Joan was ever mindful of others and anxious to serve people whenever she could. She leaves behind a brilliantly colored mosaic of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of all who were blessed to feel her touch.

The Roaring Twenties were a time unlike any other in American history. Cars became more affordable, which required new roads to take us where we wanted to go while Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took us soaring above the clouds. Legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb breathed new life into the game of baseball, the lights of Broadway never shined brighter, and motion pictures came to life with both color and sound. It was during this exciting time that a young couple from Pewamo, Michigan, celebrated the birth of a healthy baby girl on January 19, 1926. Joan was one of seven children born to her parents, Frank and Rose Helen (Schafer) Stump, and she was raised in the family home alongside her brothers, Robert, Melvin, and Leon, and her sisters, Kathryn, Rosanne, and Julia.

In many ways Joan experienced a typical childhood. She was very talkative at a young age and was outgoing as well. Joan loved to dance and often went with her brother to local dances. She was responsible for a fair amount of chores around the house, establishing a strong work ethic during her formative years. Generally the boys worked outside while she and her sisters worked inside. Joan was a student at Pewamo Schools through the 10th grade, and she was a good student who additionally enjoyed the social aspect. Even while growing up she was known as someone who was beautiful on the inside and out. After leaving school Joan took a job in Ionia.

Life was forever changed for Joan when she met the young man who would hold the keys to her heart throughout her entire life. His name was George Koenigsknecht, and he worked on a farm next door to her family farm. Joan and George began dating, but they were soon physically separated as he was called off to war WWII from March 1945 to October 1946. Joan eagerly awaited his return, and with his military duties fulfilled he came home and they resumed their relationship where they had left off. They continued to date over the three years that followed, and with a desire to establish a life together Joan and George became husband and wife on May 4, 1949, in Pewamo.

Together Joan and George welcomed seven children into their hearts and home, Diane, Kathryn, Luke, Ruth, Debra, Lois, and George. Her husband worked hard to support the family while Joan had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Life was not always easy, but they were happy, and they raised their children in a home that was deeply rooted in love. Joan and her husband were very socially active, and they had a large network of friends. She was an extraordinary homemaker who was frugal to the point where it seemed as though she could rub two pennies together to make a nickel. Joan loved gardening and was known to can anything and everything. Her skills in the kitchen were fantastic, and she always wanted to be sure that no one left her table hungry. Joan was also very organized and meticulous, which were also skills that were very appreciated in her home. She and her husband took many trips, and it was important to Joan that her children see as much of the world as she could show them. Even if it was only day trips or a lunchtime picnic, they took their children all over.

A woman of many interests, Joan was always busy with something. Her Catholic faith was of the utmost importance to her, and she was very active at Most Holy Catholic Church and the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. As someone who brought the sparkle into the world around her, she loved throwing parties and having huge get togethers. Although thrifty, Joan loved to shop, and she made sure that both she and her family were well dressed. She was an excellent seamstress who could crank out a new dress for her daughters in a flash whenever the need arose. Music was always a big part of her life, and she didn’t shy away from pulling out some dance moves if a good song came on regardless of what she had been doing. After George retired they began following a polka band, the Marv Herzog Polka Band, all over Michigan, and they also enjoyed traveling to every state in the United States.

When grandchildren arrived, Joan was filled with unspeakable joy. She got right down on the floor to play with them, often playing cards and other games. As a grandmother Joan had an amazing ability to make them each feel like they were her favorite.

Joan Koenigsknecht exemplified what it means to love without condition. Her devotion to her husband and children was unmatched, and things only got better when she became a grandmother. Joan usually wore high heels to make her seem taller, but she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She lived a life of purpose, making the most of the days she was given while holding fast to her faith. Joan will be deeply missed.

Joan M. Koenigsknecht of Fowler, MI died Saturday, January 25, 2014. Joan’s family includes her husband, George; children, Diane (John) Beck of Edison, NJ; Kathryn (Richard) Coletta of St. Johns; Luke (Susan) Koenigsknecht of St. Johns; Ruth (Glenn) Thelen of Fowler; Debra Sturk of Fowler; Lois (Timothy) Bengal of Westphalia; George (fiancé Jackie Aldridge) Koenigsknecht of St. Johns; 15 grandchildren, Richard, Jason, and James Coletta; Tracie Tiedt, Adam Koenigsknecht; Glenn, Nathan, Mitchell, and Charlene Thelen; Jay and Audra Sturk; Douglas, Steven, Chelsea, and Janay Bengal; 9 great-grandchildren, Lily, Lucy, Zane and Brynn Coletta; Phillip and Alexis Tiedt; Andrew, Jack and Molly Koenigsknecht; sisters, Sr. Rosanne Stump, SLW of Chicago, IL and Sr. Julia Stump, SLW of Metaire, LA; sisters-in-law, Alice Stump and Theresa Stump both of Pewamo. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Rose; brothers, Robert, Melvin, and Leon Stump; sister, Kathryn Stump; sister-in-law, Suzanne Stump; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Melvin and Juliana Simon, Paul and Patricia Koenigsknecht, Msgr. Albert I. Koenigsknecht, MM, Mark and Margaret Schrauben, and John and Mary Klein. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler, with burial following at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2014, with a rosary being prayed at 3 p.m. and a vigil service at 8 p.m. at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Home in Fowler. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Most Holy Trinity Educational Trust Fund, 545 N. Maple, Fowler, MI 48835. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.