JoAnn Vrobel

Vrobel , JoAnn 5/18/1933 - 8/3/2022 Richland Whoever first used the words kind and caring must have just met our mother. Our mom, JoAnn E. (Banker) Vrobel passed away peacefully on August 3, 2022. JoAnn was born May 18, 1933 in Kalamazoo, MI. She lived her entire life, before marriage, in her much beloved Milwood. For many decades she met regularly with her cherished lifelong friends that she started kindergarten with at Milwood Elementary. She was a proud graduate of Central High School where she was a cheerleader. Before her marriage, JoAnn was employed at the then Upjohn Company. Later in life she was the secretary for Klooster Landscaping and Stap Brothers Landscaping where she was fondly known as "Mrs. V". She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards. JoAnn and her close friend Mary Gerlof had so much fun together in their twilight years, sharing so many laughs and adventures together, always with a tale to tell after their outings. JoAnn was united in marriage to Walter Vrobel Jr. on February 27, 1954. In 1964 they moved to Richland where they raised their four children. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents Mildred and Estil Banker, her sister Shirley Banker Williams, her brother Duane Banker and sister-in-law and husband Delores (Vrobel) and Mike Myers. She is survived by her four children Katie Zamora (Jesse), Tom (Sue), Jim (Denice) and Sandy (John Leino), 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Also by a sister-in-law, Mary Sharon Vrobel Joseph (George). Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Private family graveside services will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes or to the Richland Community Library. Memorial donations and personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.