Joan D. Hess

Joan passed away peacefully at Alamo Nursing Home in Alamo Township, early Tuesday morning, March 12, 2024. 

She was born on March 19, 1937, to Chester and Jane Hale of Otsego, Michigan. Joan graduated from Otsego High School and Western Michigan University with a masters degree. She worked as an elementary school teacher for several years before deciding to stay at home with her three small children. 

After several years, Joan’s love of photography and writing guided her into a new line of work. She began to write and take photographs for the Kalamazoo Gazette, Holland Sentinel, Harold Palladium, as well as the local Allegan and Otsego papers.

 Her talent in photography can be seen at the Smithsonian, a picture of the old Second Street Bridge in Allegan before the bridge underwent significant renovation in the early 1980’s. Joan loved the Otsego area and the history surrounding it. In her free time, she enjoyed photography, reading, writing and sitting outdoors. 

Surviving are her children, Cory (Aimee) Hess of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, Sydne (Akinori) Suzuki of Tokyo, and Scott (Sherry) Hess of Gobles, Michigan; grandchildren, Ashley (Andy) Drenth of Kalamazoo, Kaitlyn (Jordan) Rempel of Clermont, Florida, Tyler (Daisy) Hess of Indianapolis, Bailey Hess of Marinette, Sara Christina Suzuki of Tokyo, Shayna (Lee Johnson) Hess of Portage, Sawyer Hess serving in the military, Sage Hess of Otsego; 9 great grandchildren and one niece and nephew. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chet and Jane Hale, her sister Nancy Otto, two nieces and a nephew. 

According to her wishes cremation has taken place. 

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at a later date.

Contributions in memory of Joan may be made to the Otsego Historical Society. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.