Joan Weishaupt-Jones

Joan Marie Weishaupt-Jones, 74, of New Buffalo, MI passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI.  Joan was born on Nov. 13, 1943 in New Buffalo to the late Ralph and Mary (Vorel) Weishaupt. She was a 1961 graduate of New Buffalo High School where she was active in the band. Joan lived and worked in New Buffalo with husband Casey – whom she married on Sept. 9, 1992, and daughter Beth. After graduation she worked at New Buffalo City Hall as City Clerk and retired in 2008 after 46 years on the job. During that time she earned the honor of being the first Auxiliary Police Woman in the state of Michigan. She headed the New Buffalo Elections Committee. Joan was proud to have her name listed on a marker on the new bridge to the beach and pointed it out to her grandchildren when they came to visit. After Joan’s mother died in 1963, she helped care for her 13 year old sister Beep and became her legal guardian when their father died five years later – a large responsibility she accepted gladly. As a member of St. Mary of the Lake Church she enhanced many services as church organist. As an outreach to others she also served as Eucharistic Minister. Spending time in Delaware with daughter Beth, son-in-law Terry and three grandchildren – Jonathan, Ryan and Matthew was the highlight of her life. Trips to Vegas with her husband Casey was always a great time. Playing cards and board games was a favorite pastime. And of course she never missed an episode of Jeopardy or a Chicago Bulls game. A lover of music, her piano playing was the focus of many family sing-a-long parties. Joan is also survived by sisters – Norma (Gerald) Podgorski and Mary Lou “Beep” (John) Guthridge; and preceded by brother-Donald, sister Pat Knight, and nephew Jeffrey Podgorski. Her passing leaves a hole in our family and in the community she loved and served with pride. We will all miss her.  Mass of Christian burial will be on Sat., March 17, 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary of the Lake Church with Father John Ambrose officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Visitation with the family is on Friday, March 16 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo. Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice or to St. Mary of the Lake Church. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com