Joann K. "Joni" Rosencrants

November 16, 1953 - July 30, 2019

Joann K. “Joni” Rosencrants, age 65, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at the Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice. She was born November 16, 1953 in Detroit, MI to Fred and Dorothy (Jeffers) Knippenberg and lived in the area the past 32 years. Joni earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees at Central Michigan University and was a special education teacher having taught 35 years for Unionville Sebewaing, Vassar, Fulton and Fruitport Public Schools. She also spent 11 semesters at Grand Valley State University as coordinator in the College of Education Teaching Assistant Program. Joann married Leo D. Rosencrants on August 4, 1979 in Richville, MI. She was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Spring Lake where she served on the Board of Christian Education, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School over the past 30 years. She was a member of the Handbell Choir for many years as well. Joni liked reading, knitting, needlepoint, and boating – but she loved teaching above all else. God blessed Joni’s life with strong friendships and many caring people. Joni is survived by her husband, Leo Deuel Rosencrants; children, Troy (Katie) Rosencrants of Clio, MI, Emily Rosencrants of Alexandria, VA; sisters, Audrey Barton and Shirley (Mike) McKee; sister-in-law, Jill (Frank) Szagesh; special friend, Sarah Bulthuis; and many nieces and nephews. Joni was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Herman and Leona Rosencrants, sister-in-law, Alma (Nelson) Satchell, brother-in-law, Richard Barton and nephew, Todd Szagesh. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Friday August 2, 2019 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church (15395 Rannes St., Spring Lake) with Rev. Michael Goers officiating. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 PM Thursday at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Memorial Contributions may be directed to St. Matthew Lutheran Church Building Fund or the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Sign the guestbook online at www.sytsemafh.com