Joann Mae Solmes' Obituary
Joann M. Heier Solmes, 86, of Vestaburg, MI passed away December 11, 2024 at her home surrounded by family.
Joann was born to Anton C. Heier and Alphina E. Petrich Heier on June 11, 1938 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Joann grew up in Aberdeen, attending church regularly with her mother and siblings. At a young age she gave her heart and life to Jesus desiring to serve Him all her days. She often shared fond memories of working at the A & W Rootbeer Restaurant and graduated from Central High School in 1956. Joann attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, MN where she met and later married Marcus H. Solmes. Together they raised three children and were married 63 years before Marcus passed away in 2020.
Throughout the years Joann faithfully loved and supported her husband, as together they served in numerous churches and ministries in various states including South Dakota, Indiana, New Mexico, Illinois, and Michigan. Joann is well known for her kind heart, hard work, faithfulness, and many acts of service. She worked in food service at Kresge, Kmart, and Trinity Bible College. She also worked as a teacher at Kiddie Kollege in Rockford, IL and cleaned churches in various locations. Joann enjoyed making crafts and often shared her work as gifts with family, friends, the elderly, the infirmed, various businesses, including those who served her.
Joann will be missed by her daughters, Faith (Nathan) of Michigan, and Melody (Trevor) of Washington; her grandchildren, Seth (Rebecca), Sheena (Ryan), Dawson (Celeste), Mya (Zack); Taylor (Caroline), Evan, and Bryson (Tiara): her great grandchildren, Caspian, Elora, Gwynevere, Irene, Kalmar, Athena, Rowena, Abigail, Arthur; Hank and Stevie; and her nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Anton and Alphina; her husband, Marcus; her son, Marcus Jr.; her siblings, Richard, John, Cathryn, and David; her grandson, Gabriel; her great granddaughter, Arwen.
Joann was well loved by all who knew her, and now she is home with her Savior, as well as her loved ones who have gone on before. And in the words of her great granddaughter, Arwen... this isn't a goodbye, it's a see you later!
A Celebration of Joann's life will be held at the Mt. Pleasant Nazarene Church on June 7, 2025 at 12 P. M. with Seth Mallay officiating. The service will also include celebrating the lives of Marcus Solmes and Nathan Mallay. A lite luncheon will follow the service.
For those wishing to give in honor of Joann, you may make memorial contributions to medical missionary Dr. Seth Mallay (grandson), who is currently serving in Togo, West Africa, with his family. www. mallaysonamission. com/give. abwe. org/workers/seth-and-rebecca-mallay
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