Joan Marie Knepp, 87, Nappanee, died at 3 a.m. Monday, May 8, 2023, at the Raclin House at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka.

Joan Marie Knepp

Ms. Knepp was born Nov. 8, 1935, in Bremen, to Clarence and Bernice (Berger) Knepp. Growing up she attended Bremen schools before graduating from Nappanee High School in 1953.

She went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from North Central College in Naperville, Ill., and her master’s degree from Central Michigan University. She also studied at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago.

After college, Joan spent time living in southern California before working in medical missions. During her lifetime, her missionary work took her to Española, N.M., Vietnam and Pakistan.

While serving in Vietnam, Joan adopted her son, Keith, in 1970. They remained in Vietnam for a year before moving back to New Mexico for 12 years. In August 1983, Joan and Keith returned to Nappanee to help care for her ailing parents. Joan worked as a medical technologist in hospitals in New Mexico and Indiana, and was proud of her work. She faithfully attended Valley View United Methodist Church in New Mexico and Nappanee United Methodist Church.

Joan enjoyed traveling and seeing the world. Experiencing different cultures was a passion of hers. New Mexico was special to Joan. She loved the mountains, culture and food of the region.

She had many friends all over the world from her time living and traveling in different regions. No matter where she went, people gravitated to her because of her kind and caring personality. These traits led to long-lasting friendships with many.

Most of all, Joan loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Keith (Collette) Knepp; and three grandchildren, Caitlin, Bryce and Alexander Knepp, all of Nappanee.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Dean Knepp.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home in Nappanee, and again from 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, May 17, at the Nappanee United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church with Pastor Kevin Reed officiating. Burial will take place in Bremen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan’s name can be given to Center for Hospice Care, Mishawaka, or the Nappanee United Methodist Church.