Joan M. Kotcher

Joan Marie Kotcher, age 80, of Escanaba, Michigan, formerly of Sterling Heights and L’Anse, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023, knowing she will be reunited with her husband, the late Jay E. Kotcher.

Joan was born to William and Mamie (Waisanen) Taipalus in Detroit, Michigan on November 17, 1942. Her family moved to L’Anse in 1945, where she attended and graduated from L’Anse High School.

Joan worked as a pay role specialist for U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command in Warren Mi from 1985-1996. She then went on to work as a pay role specialist for Art Van Furniture from 1998-2008 when she retired and eventually moved with her husband, Jay, to Escanaba, MI to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Joan enjoyed the simple things in life and was so thankful for her trips to Sav Mor and all the help that was given to her by the staff at Sav Mor helping with her groceries and her walker. Joan was also proud of her Finnish Heritage and her Sisu.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Steven) Gartland; grandchildren Samantha Ewen; Amanda (Joshua) Gatiss; great-grandchildren Aylah Ericksen, Ahlina Moras, and George Gatiss; sister Gloria (Larry) Klerx; and many nieces, nephews, friends at Harbor Tower, and other beloved members of the family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jay on February 1, 2010; sisters Ruth (Charles) Kuhn, Dorothy (Howard) Jarvey, Joyce (August) Nelson, and Carol Taipalus; brothers Robert (Shirley), Edward (Joyce) and William Taipalus.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the West Ford River Cemetery with Pastor Mike Cummings officiating. Burial will take place in the West Ford River Cemetery.

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