Joanne Moe

Joanne Moe, age 78, of Marshall, died at Marshall Nursing and Rehabilitation on Thursday morning, March 21, 2013 after a lengthy illness that she fought with great courage and the love and help of her family. Joanne was born on June 3, 1934 in Battle Creek to Frederick P. and Amy A. (White) Schmidt. She grew to adulthood there, graduating from Lakeview High School in 1952. She was married to Morrell L. Stealy. The couple settled in Marshall, had their family, and owned and operated Stealy Motors on W. Michigan Avenue across from the athletic field next to their home . Morrell preceded her in death unexpectedly in 1964. Joanne found love again and was married to Duane "Bud" Moe on July 2, 1969 in Marshall. In the late 1960's Bud and Joanne started "Bud's Wrecker" in the same location on W.Michigan Avenue where the family provided wrecker service, and service station services to the community. In 1981 the wrecker service was sold and Joanne, Bud and family farmed full time in Marshall Township. They raised hogs for a time as part of the farm operation. Joanne was active (along with Bud) at the Calhoun County Fair for many years where she volunteered her time for many projects. Many people will remember her there as the "Gator Lady". She used her John Deere Gator to get her around as her legs failed her over the years, keeping her where she wanted to be, doing what she wanted to do. She was involved with the 4-H Swine Club for many years. She enjoyed bowling and formerly bowled in leagues at Marshall Lanes. She collected Emmett Kelly Jr. Clowns. Joanne was a member of the Fredonia Grange. Joanne was an animal lover, whether it be horse, cow, hog or dog! She cared for them as part of the family. Surviving are her husband Bud, daughter Kim J. Hess of Marshall, sons James S. Stealy of Dallas, TX, Timothy L. (Cynthia) Stealy of Merrimack, New Hampshire, and Junior (Michelle) Stealy of Marshall; 22 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, step-sons Steve Moe of Vicksburg and Scott Moe of Albion and step -daughters Sherry Moe of Kinross, MI and Susan Leffew of Dayton, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents. Friends may call at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, 723 US27 N., Marshall on Monday from 2PM-8PM where family will be present to greet friends and share memories from 2PM-4PM and 6PM-8PM. Funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Tuesday at 10:30AM with Rev. James Codde as the celebrant. Interment will be in Hotchkiss Cemetery. The family asks that if possible those attending visitation and services come dressed comfortably, jeans and sweatshirts would be appropriate! The family would ask that those who wish would remember Joanne with a memorial contribution to either the CCAIS for Floral Hall Restoration or Marshall FFA Scholarship. Assistance with memorials is available at Kempf Funeral Home. To sign the on line guest register and leave a message for the family visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.