Joan I. Hoffman, of Pleasant Lake, MI, age 85, passed away on September 21, 2023 in Jackson, MI.
Joan was born on May 28, 1938 in Evart, MI, the daughter of Stanley and Evelyn (Phelps) Irish. Joan was an elementary teacher from 1960-1968. She received her Master's Degree and then served as an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University in the Biology Department from 1970-1974. She married Ronald H. Hoffman on August 3, 1974 at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grass Lake, where she was a faithful member for 49 years.
Joan loved the outdoors, whether it was hiking or bird watching. She had a special interest in Sandhill Cranes, and she enjoyed writing articles throughout her career, writing for several Audubon groups in the area. She also published the Addison Newsletter from 1993-2005, and Our Addison Kids in 1996, and presented at the International Addison Conference in Oslo, Norway in 1996. In 2001, she co-authored the anniversary book for St. Jacob Evangelical Church. She was a charter member of the Leslie Area Historical Society and a staff member of the Leslie Area Historical Museum. Besides being a museum guide, she was a curator of the Holling Collection, served as a historian for the Historical Society, and published the Holling Collection News from 2000-2010.
Most of all, Joan loved her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In addition to her husband, Ron, Joan is survived by a daughter, Amy (Justin) Hamilton of Farmington Hills, one grandson, Alex Hamilton; and a brother, Dean (Dianne) Irish of East Lansing. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Janet Poole.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caring staff at Vista Grande Villa, especially April and Heather, and Careline Hospice, especially Tammy and Mary.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023,11:00 a.m., at St. Jacob Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grass Lake, MI. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jacob Lutheran Church, the Leslie Area Historical Society, or the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by Caskey-Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
