Joan C. Little Saginaw, Michigan
Our beloved mother, grandmother and sister was called to her heavenly father on Sunday, July 16, 2017, age 87 years.
She was born on August 23, 1929, daughter of the late Emil and Genevieve (Brabant) Gehringer, in Saginaw. Joan received her education from Saginaw Business Institute, Delta College for Psychology and Law Enforcement, and an Internship for Medical Library Science at Harper Hospital Detroit, as well as Instructor training from Arthur Murray Dance Studio to become a Ballroom Dance Instructor. Each of these led her to many different successful jobs. Jo will be remembered for her clever and dry sense of humor, her very strong independent nature and the wisdom of her many years of living a kind and loving life. She shared her home with many teenage foster children who needed that special place that Jo willingly provided. As a single parent, she provided Mary with a wonderful upbringing even though she often worked many jobs. She was self-taught and motivated which lead her to create the first medical library at St. Lukes Hospital. She also worked for many years at the Saginaw County Health Department where she retired in 1995. Jo lived in Brant/St. Charles for many years being actively involved and serving as president of the St. Charles Area Health Center over a 45 year span. She was also an active member of St. Michaels Church in Oakley where her caring and compassionate skills provided services in the church "Befriender Program". She enjoyed spending time with her sisters and close friends, reading, playing cards, fishing at VanEtten Lake, and doing crosswords and game shows.
Surviving are her daughter, Mary and her husband Charles Warzecha ; grandchildren, Nathan and wife Anna Warzecha, Stasi and Jeff Schlenker; great-grandson, Ethan Schlenker; her sisters, Janice Hill, Judy (Bob) Sleamon; sister-in-law, Lorraine Gehringer; Marys dear college roommate and lifelong friend, Susan Zelinko, who became Jos second daughter and Sues daughter Jenny; Sophie, her loyal and loving 4 legged companion and many nieces, nephews and numerous special friends. She was predeceased by her brothers Jack (Lila) and James, and brother-in-law Dale Hill. A special thank you to Brenda Stajdl, and the Hospice Care Team for their extraordinary care, compassion, and guidance during her illness.
Funeral Liturgy will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at St. Dominic Parish, SS Peter and Paul Church, 4735 W. Michigan Ave. Fr. Steven Gavit will officiate. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a vigil at 4:00 p.m. at W. L. Case and Company, 201 N. Miller Road and at the church on Thursday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. Charles Area Health Center or Special Olympics - Area 22.
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603