Gladstone, MI
Joan A. Richer, age 85, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Lakeview Assisted Living.
Joan was born September 23, 1937, in Escanaba, the daughter of Norrie and Linnea (Johnson) Holmlund.
She attended and graduated from Rapid River High School. She furthered her education at Northern Michigan University.
Joan was united in marriage to Richard Richer. He preceded her in death.
Joan was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and Detroit Tiger fan. She was a Cub Scout leader, 4-H leader, she enjoyed traveling and going out to eat. Joan enjoyed sewing as well and her time spent as an office employee with AC Nielsen Company.
Joan was a light in everyone’s life. Her smile was contagious. She was a devoted member of Grace Church. Her church family adored her. She enjoyed their bible studies. In earlier years she enjoyed cooking her homemade spaghetti and canning.
She will be extremely missed by all who knew her.
Joan is survived by:
Children: Regina Richer of Lincoln Park, MI
Rodney Richer of Gladstone, MI
Sisters: Mary Ann Lavigne of Rapid River, MI
Betty (Harvey) Setter of Gladstone, MI
Carol (Dennis) Sabo of Gladstone, MI
Pam Smeester of Rapid River, MI
7 Grandchildren: RaShae, Sydney, Jarin, Skye, Sabrina, Sergei and Cole.
6 Great Grandchildren: Destinee, John Jr., Izaiah, Julius, Boone and Jace
And numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and many special friends.
In addition to her Parents and Husband, Joan was preceded in death by:
Sister: Vera Vietzke
Sister: Peggy Berglund
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Grace Church in Gladstone. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM at the Grace Church with Pastor Tim Haugen officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Federation for the Blind or Grace Church. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Richer family.
Linda - Escanaba, Mi
I loved helping you shop.You always had a smile. FLY HIGH
James and Trina Sanville - Gladstone, MI
Joanie was an unstoppable ambassador for her savior Jesus Christ! She would tell anyone within earshot of his great love and salvation. She was the greatest of encouragers even when things were real tough for her. Now she’s in the presence of her savior,she sees perfectly and not only that but her faith has finally been made sight!
Marilyn Albrecht - Gladstone , Mi
Loved visiting with Joan at Northwoods Rehab in Gladstone. She was always in good spirits. Heaven gained a angel.
Isaac Micheau - Gladstone , MI
Joan was a blessing to me. When my wife and I tried to minister to her, we always came away blessed. She had many challenges in this world and every right to complain but I never heard anything but praise for the Lord Jesus and concern for others come from her mouth. She may have been blind, but she could see the big picture better than all of us. She was and is a great inspiration to many and she will be greatly missed.
Elizabeth Bautista - Santa Clarita, Ca
Joan I will always remember your smile. I know you in the presence of our lord. With love Liz and Sergei.
Bill Rafuse - RAPID River , MI
Joan all ways made me feel special when I went to Lakeview to minister when heard my voice she would put on that super smile and “scream” pastor Bill and tell me how glad she was I was there
She loved to hear The WORD
Marilyn - Powers, Mi
One of the most precious human beings I have ever met in my lifetime. She truly was a special person. She is now with her love Richard. God bless and keep you, Joan.
Marilyn - Powers, Mi
My dear friend. I am so sorry I didn’t get to visit you like I should. Life has been so busy and gets in the way of the important things. Love you my friend. Fly high with Richard.
Angela - Myrtle Beach , SC
I remember when I first met Rodney’s mother Joan. Her and I shared many things in common, including playing the piano and eating cucumbers. She has a voice that is enlightened and a heart of gold. May her joy live on in our hearts for eternity…
Jeff & Lynn (LaFave) Sarasin - Kalamazoo, MI
Joan was always one of my biggest inspirations and encouragers. She was a long time friend of my Mother, Vickie LaFave, until my mom passed away in 2008. I will never forget how she told me how much she and My mom would pray in Bible studies that their children would Al come to know Christ and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. I didn’t get back to Gladstone a lot after we moved away in 2010 but when I did and would see Joan, I always had a big hug for her. I’ve never seen a more positive Christian who definitely lived her life by Faith, not by sight. I am legally blind now and It’s Joan’s devoted Faith and Positive attitude that are always on the forefront of my mind! She will be missed by all who had the divine pleasure of knowing her! My thoughts and prayers are with Gina, Rodney and Joan’s whole family!