Joan M. Bartell, 81, of Caro, formerly of Grand Rapids, died following a long illness Friday, March 7, 2014 in Tuscola County Medical Care Facility. She was born August 23, 1932 in Canton, OH to John Thomas and Wanda Anna (Schear) Briggs.
Joan attended Toccoa Falls Bible College and received her Elementary Teaching Degree from Northwestern College in Minneapolis, MN. From 1964 to 1988 Joan was a missionary and teacher in Brazil with Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission. Joan began sewing at the age of 11. On her return to the U.S. she worked as a seamstress in the Grand Rapids area. Joan was very creative. She made beautiful and creative costumes for school musicals in Brazil and here. She was talented at hand embroidery also. Joan loved working in her garden. She could make any plant thrive. Joan was a member of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids where she taught Sunday School and helped in the nursery. Joan loved being a grandmother and spending time with her family.
Joan is survived by her children: Rebecca Joy Bartell of Lena, WI, Joel Steven (Dawn) Bartell of Lakeview, Bonnie Lynae (Ray) Ferris of Deford, Brenda Grace (Joe) Walsh of Rockford; grandchildren: Kyle (Erin) DeCloux, Korynne DeCloux, Samantha (Jake) Cumings, Caitlyn Bartell, Zach Bartell, Jesika (James) Struve, Jared Ferris, Jalen Ferris, Caríce Walsh, Nicca (Kevin) Fikkert, Jakin Walsh; great grandchildren: Brett, Darrin, Lila and the fourth due in September; sister, Dorothy Briggs of Canton, OH; twin sister, Jean Stewart of Massilon, OH; sister-in-law, Donna Rae Briggs of Canton, OH; many nieces and nephews; special friends, Loren and Kim Walburg of Grand Rapids and their family, Fran Aubert and girls; special Brazilian family, Siloni, Zé and families. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Marion Briggs, Dick Briggs, Jack Briggs.
Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City with Pastor David Cooper of Deford Community Church officiating. Pallbearers for Mrs. Bartell: Zach Bartell, Jared Ferris, Jalen Ferris, Jakin Walsh, Kyle DeCloux, James Struve, Kevin Fikkert. Memorials may be made to Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission Silver Lake Bible Camp (Acampamento Joia). Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City
1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz, 989-872-2195
Joan attended Toccoa Falls Bible College and received her Elementary Teaching Degree from Northwestern College in Minneapolis, MN. From 1964 to 1988 Joan was a missionary and teacher in Brazil with Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission. Joan began sewing at the age of 11. On her return to the U.S. she worked as a seamstress in the Grand Rapids area. Joan was very creative. She made beautiful and creative costumes for school musicals in Brazil and here. She was talented at hand embroidery also. Joan loved working in her garden. She could make any plant thrive. Joan was a member of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids where she taught Sunday School and helped in the nursery. Joan loved being a grandmother and spending time with her family.
Joan is survived by her children: Rebecca Joy Bartell of Lena, WI, Joel Steven (Dawn) Bartell of Lakeview, Bonnie Lynae (Ray) Ferris of Deford, Brenda Grace (Joe) Walsh of Rockford; grandchildren: Kyle (Erin) DeCloux, Korynne DeCloux, Samantha (Jake) Cumings, Caitlyn Bartell, Zach Bartell, Jesika (James) Struve, Jared Ferris, Jalen Ferris, Caríce Walsh, Nicca (Kevin) Fikkert, Jakin Walsh; great grandchildren: Brett, Darrin, Lila and the fourth due in September; sister, Dorothy Briggs of Canton, OH; twin sister, Jean Stewart of Massilon, OH; sister-in-law, Donna Rae Briggs of Canton, OH; many nieces and nephews; special friends, Loren and Kim Walburg of Grand Rapids and their family, Fran Aubert and girls; special Brazilian family, Siloni, Zé and families. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Marion Briggs, Dick Briggs, Jack Briggs.
Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City with Pastor David Cooper of Deford Community Church officiating. Pallbearers for Mrs. Bartell: Zach Bartell, Jared Ferris, Jalen Ferris, Jakin Walsh, Kyle DeCloux, James Struve, Kevin Fikkert. Memorials may be made to Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission Silver Lake Bible Camp (Acampamento Joia). Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City
1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City
Arrangements by
Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan
Debra L. Kranz, 989-872-2195
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