Joan Lou Stiver

Joan Lou (Schimdt) Stiver of Portage, MI passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at the age of 90. She was born in Schoolcraft, MI on April 20, 1932, the daughter of Helen Cooper and John Schimdt.

She was known for being a hard worker and that showed in the long hours and dedication she put in working on the farm and at the Upjohn Company. Joan loved her husband: Harold passionately and from that love they brought two wonderful children into this world. She was always available for those that she cared for and she even took on caring for the friends of her children becoming a pseudo-mom to all of the kids that would come to visit with her. 

Joan enjoyed being adventurous whether that came in the form of traveling with friends or riding mini bikes with occasional disasters. She delighted in going on picnics to the pond with family and friends, watching Days of Our Lives, playing games such as: Uno, Marbles, and Yahtzee with her grandchildren, and talking for hours with the ones she loved.

She will be fondly remembered for her contagious laugh, her sharp wit, being direct to the point but understanding and compassionate of others, the wonderful breakfasts that she would prepare for her family, and how she would say “I love you sweetie” every time she said goodbye.

Joan is preceded in her passing by her husband: Harold Stiver; parents; and siblings: Bud Schmidt, Joyce Fitzstephens, and Norma Schmidt.

Left to cherish Joan’s loving memory are her children: Debbie Stiver-King and Jeff (Kathy) Stiver; sister: Linda (David) Krum; grandchildren: Jason Stiver, Jessica Stiver, Tara (Nate) Griffioen, Nick (Jessica) Zantjer, and Tim Zantjer; great grandchildren: Ava, Ella, Skyler, Owen, Jayden, and the light of her life Harper

In accordance with Joan’s wishes a public time for visiting will be held at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 on Thursday, June 23, 2022, starting at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Following cremation she will be laid to rest with her husband: Harold during a private committal service at Schoolcraft Cemetery.

Memorials made in Joan’s memory may be directed to St. Judes Childrens Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Joan’s guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Stiver family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. 269-649-1697