Joan A. Krenz's Obituary
Joan Adele Krenz, 88, of Norton Shores, died Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Sanctuary at the Oaks, Muskegon, Michigan. She was born March 10, 1928 in New Salem, Pennsylvania, to Joseph Greeley and Mary (Smetanka) Greeley. She married Marlin Paul Krenz on April 1, 1956, and he survives. Joan grew up in the mountains of Western Pennsylvania. Her family, abandoned by her father, had little means, but her childhood was rich in love and the experiences of life. She fondly remembered helping her Uncle Andy on his huckstering circuit; playing baseball, hide-and-seek and other games with her siblings; her mother making pierogies and nut rolls for church functions; and listening to opera on the radio every Sunday afternoon with her Uncle Elmo. She had a particularly special bond with her sister Vernie, with whom she loved to laugh, throughout life until the latter’s passing. She was an excellent student who loved learning and wanted to continue to learn. She earned her RN degree in Uniontown, PA, and became a nurse in Detroit, MI, where she met Marlin, who was to become her husband of 60 years. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Alaska for Marlin’s tour of duty in the Air Force. They loved Alaska and made the most of their time there, traveling widely and experiencing the Alaska Territory to the fullest. After a time in Chicago, they moved to Muskegon, where Marlin opened his medical practice. A longtime resident of Norton Shores, Joan was active in the Philanthropic Educational Organization and in St. Mark Lutheran Church. Aside from her husband, children, and grandchildren, she had two great passions: collecting antiques and, especially, cultivating her rock garden, which she developed over years into a place of tremendous beauty. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Gary Dean Krenz, of Chelsea, MI, and Debra Jo Dance, of Cincinnati, OH; her daughter-in-law, Barbara (Wheeler) Krenz; her son-in-law, William Dance; and her four grandchildren, Brian Matteson Krenz, Christopher Dean Krenz, Benjamin Thomas Dance, and Samantha Jo Dance. She rests with her Savior Jesus, who brought her so much comfort in her later years. Although her mind began to leave her before she was ready, her heart grew in the giving and receiving of love. Visitation and memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 4475 Henry St, Norton Shores, MI 49441, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by the memorial service starting at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church or to Sanctuary at the Oaks, where the caregivers made a real difference in her life, (1740 Village Drive, Muskegon, MI 49442). Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442, (231) 726-5210.
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