Joan Johnson

In loving memory of Joan E. Johnson, age 84, who died peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones, on January 16, 2026. She was born on August 25, 1941, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Weizenegger) Cobb. Joan was a graduate of WMU with a degree in Occupational Therapy and went on to work at Pontiac General Hospital. Joan worked at Stretch and Sew, the Kalamazoo County American Red Cross, and at Bronson Methodist Hospital, before joining the WMU staff in 1989. Joan enjoyed traveling with her best friend, Karol Zipple, and was able to visit Europe, Japan, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Joan was a talented seamstress, creating beautiful clothes and quilts for family and friends. From a very young age, Joan enjoyed ice skating. She was a highly respected figure skating coach and instructor, particularly known for her work at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo, fostering local talent and developing programs that nurtured young skaters and contributed to the strong skating culture in Southwest Michigan. Joan also skated and competed with the Southwest Michigan Figure Skating Club. Joan's greatest achievement in life was her family. On December 29, 1965, she married the love of her life, Larry Johnson, who she met on the campus of WMU. They raised their three children. She was a supportive and loving mother, always putting her children first, attending every sporting event and function that her children had. She was a beautiful and caring person inside and out. She always had a positive attitude and the greatest smile you ever saw. Her positivity and love were contagious to those around her. Joan is survived by her children: Laura (Don) Weber, Jeff (Denise Hiatt) Johnson, and Mike (Lisa Moore) Johnson; her grandchildren, Ryan, Katherine, Anna, Jason, Lauren, Drake, and Alexis; her siblings: Joe (Carole) Cobb, Jane (Keith) McCaughrin, John (Kim) Cobb, and Barbara (Gregg) Kern; and nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Carl Cobb and Frank Cobb Jr., and her beloved husband, Larry. Friends may visit with Joan's family on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 PM, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Donations in memory of Joan may be made to Meals on Wheels. Please share memories and condolences at www.langelands.com.