Joan Ruth Kirchhoff, age 91 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was reunited with her husband Richard, son Terrence Bruce, parents Herman and Inez Poggenpohl and many other family and friends in Heaven.
Joan will be remembered for her friendly and sunshiny disposition. She would talk to anyone, and never forgot a name. In spite of late life heath issues, Joan kept a positive attitude, which cheered everyone up around her. She loved her community at Heron Woods.
It was so important for Joan to keep in touch with her family, no matter how. She was always a letter writer and card sender. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren looked forward to her birthday cards every year. Not many 90 year olds would brave new technology, but Joan was determined to keep up with everyone by learning to text as a way of staying involved.
Joan is survived by her children, Steve (Marleen) Kirchhoff, Bruce (Jane) Kirchhoff, Paul (Melanie) Kirchhoff, Ruth (Chuck) Jakems, Susan (Dave) Kozak, Joe (Karla) Kirchhoff, Rich (Lisa) Kirchhoff; 23 grandchildren: Sharon (dec, Scott) Blysma, Marleigh (Dan) Plachecki, Jill (John Spomer) McCarthey, Anne (Adam) McCarthey, Liz (Brett) Hulliberger, Sarah (Eric) Alcorn, Meredith (Aaron) Tallman, Sally Kirchhoff, Julie (Chris) Zuke, Kateri (Ed) Valdez, Christina Jakems-Johnson, Stephanie (Freddy) Stacks, Chuck (Kelly) Jakems, Abbey Kozak, Andrew (Gail) Kirchhoff, Samantha (Andrew) Huitema, Tom (Jackie) Jakems, Austin Kirchhoff, Matthew (Lauren) Kirchhoff, Ben Kozak, Erin Kirchhoff, Brandyn Kirchhoff, Kellie Kirchhoff; and 33 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 24th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, May 25th at 11 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church (1120 4 Mile Rd NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505) with Fr. Tom Page officiating.
Special thanks to the “kids”, Kim and David at Heron Woods Community.
For memorial donations, please consider Faith Hospice or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
