Joan Alice Gebauer

Joan Alice Gebauer of Elkton, age 82, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Covenant Healthcare Cooper in Saginaw. She was born June 30, 1942 in Detroit, the daughter of the late Robert and Elaine (Splan) Russell. On November 2, 1968, Joan was married to the love of her life, Douglas Gebauer, at Cross Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with more than fifty-six years, eight beloved children, and countless cherished memories. Joan was a devoted member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church on Berne Road. A woman of unwavering faith, she was always eager to attend church and made it a priority to instill Christian values within her home.

Joan was an exceptional homemaker, lovingly raising eight children while always staying connected and attentive to each one. Beyond her role at home, she worked as a home health aide and nursing assistant. Additionally, she ran her own ceramics shop, Gebauer Ceramics, for a few years. Joan was very talented at sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and cross stitch, creating many beautiful keepsakes throughout the years. She enjoyed camping, whether it is was at Mio or the Lighthouse Park in Port Hope, as long as she was with her family, she was happy. Joan had a love for music, always up to listen to country western or 60’s Motown, and a true zest for life. She loved shopping at her favorite craft stores and truly thrived around family. She had a huge heart and adored her husband, children, and grandchildren. Joan’s love, determination, and vibrant soul will be missed beyond measure.

Joan leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband, Doug; children, Laurie (Cork) Groesbeck of Canton, Ron (Denise) Gebauer of Bad Axe, Bobbie (John) Bucholtz of Bad Axe, Brenda (Willie) Rowe of Pigeon, Mike (Merry) Gebauer of Lapeer, Debbie (Eddie) Kosinski of Almont, Kim (Josh) Sting of Sebewaing, and Brian (Kristin) Gebauer of Hortonville, WI; twenty-one grandchildren, Justin, Ryan, Aaron, Joshua, Bradley, Dustin, Ron, Kyle, Nicole, Tim, Chris, Chelsie, Austin, Logan, Emma, Cole, Alex, Mady, Maren, Will, and Laine; thirty great-grandchildren; one great-greatgrandchild; brother-in-law, Mike Jerome; and nephew David Jerome and niece Paula Willet. In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her sisters, Debbie and Wendy; sister-in-law, Pamela Jerome.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, January 9, 2025 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church-Berne with Pastor Steve Neuman officiating. Visitation will be 2-7pm Wednesday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Pigeon and again on Thursday from 10 until the time of service.