Joan Doris Wellnitz's Obituary
Big Rapids - Joan Doris Wellnitz, age 89, of Big Rapids, passed away November 3, 2019, after a short illness.
She was born June 19,1930, in Kalamazoo, MI, the youngest of three sisters born to Henry and Katherine-Mary Weenink. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School before progressing on to attend classes at Kalamazoo College as a music major, where she met future husband Howard (Gus) Southworth.
After marrying the couple moved to Cassopolis, MI, where Howard found work as a schoolteacher and the couple began their family. Several years in Cassopolis prepared the couple for the next chapter. The young family moved to Big Rapids in 1954, and were married 27 years.
In 1977 Joan married Jack (John) Wellnitz. Bound by a love for music they participated in concerts, musicals, plays, and cheered for FSU Hockey for 35 years.
Socially active in the Big Rapids community from the beginning, Joan contributed to endless clubs and committees. She served on the Hospital Auxiliary in at least 5 different decades, including a stint as President. There wasn't a bake sale in the community that went without a contribution from Joan's oven, whether a cake, banana bread, or cookies. She loved gathering with her various knitting groups: Joan was always in the process of knitting something to gift or donate, learning new knitting patterns, or traveling to obtain the best alpaca and llama yarn.
Music and Worship were both central to Joan's life. A member of the United Church she participated in Bible Study groups, sponsored Youth in the congregation, and sang in the church choir for nearly 60 years until age 80. She also participated in other Choirs, including the local Sweet Adelines chapter, the United Church Bell Choir, and Vocal Lyrica, which offered Joan the opportunity to sing in Germany, Australia, and perhaps her favorite: New York's Carnegie Hall.
Expanding her exposure to the community were several jobs that showcased Joan's social skills. Jobs at Edie's dress shop and Mary O'Shoppe, and Chemical (First National) Bank as a receptionist, teller, and branch manager. While working at Chemical Bank's Southland Branch Joan helped countless new FSU students open accounts when starting school. Several of these students were Hockey players, who convinced Joan to attend a game. One game was all it took: The hook was set. Joan and Jack were season ticket holders and fervent Blue Line Club supporters, supporting student athletes and yelling at referees for years.
Mother of Rebecca (Eric) Priebe of Saline, MI; Mary (Mark) Waldron of Big Rapids; Tom (Vickie) Southworth of Royal Oak, MI; Clare Wellnitz of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; Mat Wellnitz of Big Rapids; Michelle (Mark) Littleson of Belleville, MI. Grandmother to Audrey (Rony) Barbera, Dean (Allison) Waldron, Charlotte Southworth, and Austin and Jackson Littleson. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wellnitz, in 2014; and her son, Roger Southworth in 1983.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, November 8, 2019, at the United Church in Big Rapids, with Rev. JT Hills officiating. Joan's family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Joan's name may be made to the United Church or ARC (Animal Rescue Coalition) of Mecosta County.
What’s your fondest memory of Joan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joan?
Share a story where Joan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joan you’ll never forget.
How did Joan make you smile?