Joan R. Gowin

Joan R. Gowin, 78, of St. Joseph, passed away, Friday, September 20, 2013 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday, September 28, 2013 from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. at Tawas City Elks Lodge #2525, 1002 Monument Rd., Tawas City, Michigan 48763. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 24 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice at Home or Berrien County Cancer Service. Those wishing to sign Joan’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Joan was born November 17, 1934 in Tawas City, Michigan to Fredrick & Helma (Schaaf) Musolf. She graduated from Tawas City High School in 1952. On February 5, 1955, she married Ronald Gowin in Tawas City. As well as taking care of her home and family, Joan was a long-time volunteer and employee of The Girl Scouts of America-Singing Sands Council. Most recently she was employed for fifteen years at Southtown Marathon, Niles Rd. & Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph. Joan was a member of the Women of the Moose #405-Benton Harbor. She loved animals and supported many various animal and nature agencies. Joan enjoyed cooking, flower gardening, bird watching, collecting Hot Wheels Cars and Pez Dispensers for her grandsons, and miniature liquor bottles. Joan is survived by her husband Ronald; her children-Lori Gowin-Brewer of St. Joseph, Tracy (Joe) Coombs of St. Joseph, Christopher (Kara) Gowin of Coloma; two grandsons-Ryan Meagher & Jordan Gagliardo; numerous nieces & nephews; and her feline companion Fat Cat. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Willard Musolf, and two sisters-Janet Smith & Marjorie Baclawski.