Joan Helen Puetz

Joan Helen Puetz, 86, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully March 20, 2024 in her home surrounded by family in Battle Creek, MI. She was born January 6, 1938, the daughter of Helen (Hulbert) and Emmett Biddison. She and her twin sister Jean were born in Los Angeles, CA and moved to Battle Creek, MI in 1941. She and Jean were inseparable and lifelong friends.

She attended Battle Creek Public Schools where she graduated in 1956. She went to Kellogg Community College where she received an associate in applied science digital design and Pre-Press Graphics. She then attended Western Michigan University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting. She was well known for all her artwork, whether it was silhouette style, watercolor paintings or colored pencil drawings, she loved her craft. She was the chairperson for the Calhoun County Republican Party and was a delegate for the 1976 Republican Convention for Gerald R. Ford. In fact, she recently donated her convention jacket and program to the Gerald R. Ford Museum.

Joan married David Bruce Puetz in1963 who was the love of her life. They lived a wonderful life together with two sons, William and Donald Puetz. They loved to travel together as a family and some of their favorite past times were going to Boyne Highlands and Mountain for skiing, and spending time at the cottage, at Crystal lake. They also enjoyed spending a lot of time at the Battle Creek Country Club playing golf and spending time with friends. There was nothing more important to her than her family. She loved Sunday brunch with her family & friends over the years at Lux Café. 

Throughout life Joan was more than a sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin or friend. She was the matriarch of her family and she knew no strangers. She befriended nearly everyone that she met.  She had many friends, and even until her last days, she was still in contact with her lifelong group of friends, some from grade school. She also loved antiquing with her best friend Donna Horton.  They both had booths at Hog Creek Antiques Mall in Allen Michigan.  They would also travel to Florida annually to stay for a couple of months during the winters. They even traveled to Africa, Mexico and Chili.

She had one grandson, Billy, whom she loved and helped raise, spending time taking him places and picking him up after school. They went to many places such as Disney World, Cedar Point, to share banana splits at Clara’s on the River, and even traveled to Chicago by train. They also went to Canada with the Battle Creek Boys’ Choir for a concert. She spent a lot of times at backyard barbeques with extended family. 

She also enjoyed spending time with her grand-niece, Nikole, who affectionately called her “Aunt Nonie” and her great-grandchild, Sebastian, who knew her as “Gigi”. She loved all her family, but she had a very special place in her heart for her niece Pamela Gibson. Pam completely loved and cared for Joan over the last few years of her life. Allowing Joan to live her best life at the place where her friends were.

Surviving Joan are her sons, William (Sherry) Puetz and Donald (Wendi) Puetz of Battle Creek, her grandson William (Tori) Puetz of Richmond, VA; Lynelle and Shawn Osborne, all from Battle Creek. Her great grandchildren Addyson Puetz and William Puetz also of Richmond, VA; Sebastian Hutchins of Battle Creek; her grand niece Nikole Gibson-Turk of Battle Creek; a niece Pamela (Stephanie) Gibson; nephews Jim, Alan and David Gibson.

In accordance to Joan’s wishes, cremation has taken place with private graveside service and inurnment at Memorial park Cemetery.  

A celebration of Life Reception for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services.