Joan A. Buckland

Anita “Joan” (Johnson) Buckland, 88, of Hancock, MI, formerly of Escanaba, passed away early Monday morning, June 29, 2020 at the Canal View Medical Care facility in Hancock, MI, surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born on January 11, 1932 to parents Earl and Lillian (Swanson) Johnson in Escanaba, MI, the third of six children growing up in a commercial fisherman’s family. Joan graduated from Escanaba High School in 1950, and was very active in her youth. Joan, an accomplished figure skater, was once crowned as the queen of the local Ice Show. In her adult years, Joan become a secretary for several insurance firms in Escanaba, Lansing, and Kalamazoo, MI, and was very proud to be able to continue her education through local community college programs.

Joan married the love of her life, Wendell “Buck” Curtis Buckland in Escanaba on June 4, 1955. Buck preceded Joan in death on June 3, 2013, one day shy of their 58th wedding anniversary.

Together Joan and Buck led a very full and faith-filled life as active members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Portage, MI. Joan participated in the church’s quilt and altar guilds, exercise program, and Ruth Circle. Throughout their lives together, family and friends were so very important, with Sunday breakfasts after church, travels in NW Michigan with their beloved “Petoskey Gems” group, and spending time visiting family and friends near and far. Most of all, Joan was a great mom, grandma, and loyal friend to all.

Joan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1977, but continued to work through her life’s difficulties with strength and grace. The loss of Buck took a big toll on Joan and her health, and she moved back to the Upper Peninsula to be near her daughter Karin upon his death. Joan resided at The Bluff’s Senior Living Community in Houghton for two years before moving to the Canal View Skilled Nursing Facility in Hancock. Sincere thanks and appreciation go out to all of Joan’s caretakers and medical providers for their loving care and friendship.

Their three children include, Karin Buckland Van Dyke, Houghton, Jim, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Julie (Rodney) Patrick, Woodbury, MN; also surviving are four grandchildren, Andrew (Jillian) Van Dyke, Sarah (Peter) Golus, Kate Buckland, and Emma Barnes; and her first great-grandchild, Lena Golus. Survivors include her sisters, Lois Hultquist, Kingsford, and Carol (Jerry) Ebbesen, Gladstone; brothers, Dave (Roberta) Johnson, Gladstone, and Don (Ruth) Johnson, Escanaba; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceding Joan in death were her parents; infant granddaughter, Hannah Van Dyke; and brother and sister-in-law, Lorn (Magee) Johnson.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2020 at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery with Rev. Terry Frankenstein officiating. Burial will follow the services in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. 

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