Joan Jean Boettner

Joan Jean Boettner, 96, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at her residence. She was born on October 20, 1930, in Clare, Michigan, the only child of the late Clyde and Ethel (Wilson) Marshall.

Joan carried with her a vivid imagination from childhood. She made up stories, often about movie stars, and happily played on her own, taking toys out to the barn and spending time with the many cousins in her large extended family. Because her father had 12 siblings, there were always younger cousins nearby, and Joan would eventually babysit for some of them. Those early years reflected the caring, spirited nature that remained with her throughout her life.

Joan was a lifelong member of a community she loved deeply. A graduate of Clare High School’s Class of 1948, she went on to attend Central Michigan College for a year before beginning a life marked by dedication to family, steady work, faithful friendships, and simple joys.

Joan’s strong work ethic began early. At the age of 14, she worked for a year at Maxwell’s Flowers in Clare. In the summers that followed, she waitressed at the Doherty Hotel, where she worked until she was 19 and shared those years with a close circle of girlfriends who also worked there. In 1949, she began working for Citizens Bank in Clare, where she remained for three years. Later, after devoting herself to her home and children, Joan returned to the workforce in the accounting department at Isabella Bank in Mount Pleasant. She continued there for 22 years before retiring in 1993.

On October 4, 1952, Joan married John E. "Jack" Boettner at the Sacred Heart Rectory. Their story began at the Hilltop Bar in Clare, when Jack gathered the courage to ask her to dance. She initially said no, but when he insisted they go out the following day, she agreed, beginning a life filled with shared adventures and lasting devotion. Together, Joan and Jack traveled extensively, taking many cruises and visiting destinations throughout Europe, South America, Jamaica, and Mexico, with Italy and Spain among their favorite places. One especially memorable chapter came in July of 1968, when the Wrangler’s Club traveled by covered wagon and horses from Mount Pleasant to Traverse City. Jack built the wagon, and Joan made the canvas top.

She found happiness in reading, watching cop shows and murder mysteries, and cheering on her favorite teams, the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. One of her favorite memories was attending the 1984 World Series with Jack to watch the Tigers play against the Padres. Joan was also a devoted animal lover who had many pets throughout her life. Her faith was important to her as a member of Sacred Heart Parish, and she treasured the enduring friendships that kept her connected to her elementary and high school classmates, making a point to gather with them every couple of months.

Above all else, Joan’s greatest pride was her family: her seven children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. They were the center of her life and the legacy she cherished most.

Joan leaves behind her seven children, Jacklyn (Mark) Baughman of Mt. Pleasant, John (Margo) Boettner of Mt. Pleasant, Rebecca (John) West of Rosebush, David (Monica) Boettner of Remus, Mary Curtiss of Traverse City, Jane Boettner (Jimmy Valentine) of Constantine, and Judy (Jim) Hermes of Mt. Pleasant; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack Boettner in 2001; and her granddaughter, Hillary Curtiss in 2025.

Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Animal Treatment Society.

Joan's funeral will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 18, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. A luncheon will follow at Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home). Following the meal, she will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery next to her husband, Jack. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 17, from 4-7 p.m. and on Wednesday, one hour before the funeral.

Joan will be remembered for her devotion to those she loved, her steady and hardworking nature, her loyalty to friends, and the warmth she brought to everyday life. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.