Joan Medendorp, age 73, of Wayland, lost her battle to cancer on Saturday, Feb. 15.

Joan Pietila was born on Oct. 20, 1946, in Sault Saint Marie. She graduated from Muskegon High School in 1965. She went on to get her associates degree from Grand Rapids Community College and a bachelor of arts degree from Western Michigan University at the age of 42.

Joan was married for 55 years to Larry Medendorp, a retired Michigan State Police trooper and Wayland High School public safety officer.

She herself was a member of the Wayland City Council and coordinator for the Wayland Community Education and Recreation program. She was a strong supporter of the Wayland school system and was an athletic booster for many years.

Joan was one of the first female softball umpires in West Michigan. She was dedicated to social justice and was a lifelong Democrat. Joan and Larry loved to travel and often went to Sault Saint Marie to watch boats. They traveled to many places, including China and Alaska. She loved casinos and happy hour. Joan loved watching her grandchildren in all their activities.

She is survived by Larry; her three children Cindi (Mark), Bob (Marcia), and Cheri (Amy); and her four grandchildren Megan, Sam, Molly and Ryan.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Joan, contributions may be made to Wings of Hope, Allegan.

A Celebration of Life for Joan will be held in the spring.

Tags: City Council Public Safety Wayland High School

5 Comments

dennis longstreet
February 17, 2020
Our hearts go out to you Larry and family .She was a good person and you are still a good man. Still remember the old softball games of the 70s Wish we could go back to old times.take care and remember the best of times. Dennis and Grace
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Linda Stoepker
February 17, 2020
With heavy hearts we send our condolences to you, Larry, and to the rest of the family. R.I.P. dear Joanie.
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Vicki Kouchnerkavich
February 17, 2020
Joan used to bring her 2 grandchildren to storytime at the Henika Library where I worked. She use to giggle & laugh at all of the funny and silly parts of the books that I read to the kids which I loved. Sometimes I picked a book because I thought she would most likely laugh at the fun parts. Thanks Joan for making storytime fun for me!
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Rod and Cheryl Belka
February 17, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. She was a fun loving person.
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Lynn Mandaville
February 18, 2020
Joan's obit above fails to mention that she was part of the Library Board that hired me in 1985. She served the board for many years as member and president. She also served as president of the Allegan County Library Board for two years, helping strengthen all of Allegan County's libraries during her tenure. She was also a great player of Trivial Pursuit, as I recall! One smart and fun cookie, she. She was one of a kind.
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