Joan V. Whitcombe

Joan was the loving wife to the late Ron Whitcombe; cherished mother to Roxann Whitcombe, Rhonda (Randy) Hottinger, and Roz Whitcombe; proud grandmother to Brendon (Brandi) Hottinger, Amanda (Nathan) Ogan and Natalie Hottinger; great-grandmother to Addison, Kyzer and Kyron Hottinger, Sophia and Charlotte Ogan and the late Mackenzie Ogan.

Joan was a proud Horace Mann of Gary graduate. She graduated from Indiana University of Bloomington with a degree in teaching. She then obtained her Master's degree from Indiana University of Northwest Indiana. Joan was a kindergarten teacher for Elkhart, Hammond, and Munster School Systems. She took great pride in being a kindergarten teacher; her compassion and encouragement for her children to flourish in education was admired by both her students and her fellow teachers. Joan was a member of the PEO sisterhood, where she began a bed and breakfast to benefit the sisterhood. Her second nature to be a gracious hostess and making people feel welcome led her to host many students and exchange students across the globe. Joan was a faithful member of Ridge United Methodist Church of Munster, where she was a member of the Rachel Circle. She also attended Crown Point Methodist Church and loved being part of the Grannies Group. Joan gave her time and talents to American Red Cross, Hospice of the Calumet Area, Riley House, Care to Share Shop and the Salvation Army. At Wittenberg Village, she took on a leadership role as representative and served on the Council and also helped tend the gardens.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 9:00 AM until the time of her Funeral at 11:00 AM at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be given toward Riley House or Wittenberg Village.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Whitcombe family.