Joanne J. Pogel

Joanne J. Pogel of Caro, age 92, passed away following a brief illness on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Brian's House in Essexville. Joanne was born November 2, 1927 in Caro, the daughter of the late Thurber and Vivian (Stovel) Cookenmaster. She attended Caro High School but contracted Rheumatic Fever during her senior year. Determined to graduate, Joanne returned as a young mother to earn her GED. She held a variety of jobs throughout her life, including time spent with Michigan Bell as an operator, Hooper's Drug Store in Caro behind the soda bar, and Zehnder's Restaurant in Frankenmuth as a favorite local bartender. She also sold shoes well into her 80s in Caro at Buckley's Shoes and Walmart. Always spirited and young at heart, Joanne was known to enjoy a cold Stroh's Beer or dancing to Mustang Sally. More recently, Joanne could be found knitting, solving puzzle books, visiting the casino, and even embracing technology by learning how to use an electronic tablet. Her happiest days were those spent with family, especially her grandchildren. Joanne was united in marriage with Irvin Pogel and was blessed with two daughters and their spouses, Peggy & Randy Harris of Caro, Michele & Gary Houthoofd of Unionville; five grandchildren and their spouses, Chad Houthoofd, Travis & Jessi Houthoofd, Trent & Krista Houthoofd, Tami Swett, Carrie & Joe Luana; twenty great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one sister and her husband, Kay & Don Kay of Saginaw; one brother and his wife, William & Sheri Cookenmaster of Pentwater; many nieces, nephews, and her beloved Pomeranian, Chuie. Joanne's family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Monday, February 3, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Burial will follow at a later date at Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Visitation Information Date: Monday, February 3, 2020 Time: 3:00 pm End Time: 5:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Joanne's family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Monday, February 3, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Service Information Cemetery Information Indianfields Township Cemetery Address: 989-673-2428 | Map Burial will follow at a later date at Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro.