Joan Kay Buer

On Saturday, April 8, 2023, heaven welcomed Joan Kay Buer, 80 years old, into God’s presence, just in time to celebrate Easter. Joan was reunited with her husband of nearly 60 years, Norman (Norm), who preceded her in death in June of 2022. Joan was the daughter of Alvin and Vivian Barnaby and was born and raised in Caledonia and attended the Gannon schoolhouse. She graduated from Caledonia High School class of 1960 and married her sweetheart, Norm, in 1962. Not long after, they bought their first house in Caledonia and welcomed three children. Joan worked until her retirement at Caledonia Elementary & Kettle Lake Elementary Schools. Her love of working with children grew as she became involved in Green Lake Calvary Church teaching a two hour church and Sunday School class for 2-3 year olds. She would continue this ministry for more than 25 years. She blessed many parents by allowing them to worship, while their children looked forward to the routine, story, craft, books and songs with Mrs. Joan. Joan was known for being an amazing hostess. Her love for others translated into a welcoming home, where family, friends, groups, and her treasured widows of the church, were treated as special guests. She was a skilled event planner and known for her themed de’cor and attention to detail. Joan planned numerous events, programs, luncheons, and showers for her church. She would eventually share her talent with Norm’s industry to coordinate many large corporate events for the Michigan Water Well Drillers Association. Joan loved to create. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, crafting and decorating. She kept busy making gifts for weddings, new babies and for her favorite holiday, Christmas! Gift giving was her love language and all of her children and grandchildren have been blessed by her beautiful work. Joan’s home and family have always been her greatest joy. Knowing that her children and grandchildren love Jesus and will join her in heaven, is her greatest legacy. She will be missed and lovingly remembered by her children; Peter & Stacie Buer, Kristie & Rob Summerfield, Kae & Steve Stoneburner. Her grandchildren Josiah, Samantha & Cody, Janessa & Ben, Trenton, Madison, Brittany, Kacie, Rachael & Andrew, Joshua & Melissa. Her great grandchildren Matthias, Rosemary, Cayden, Ambrevina, and Waylon. Visitation will be Thursday, April 13, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 East Main Street, Caledonia from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be Friday, April 14, at Green Lake Calvary Church, 608 145th Ave., Caledonia at 11:00am with a luncheon to follow.