Joan K. Weick (Iciek), 73 died Saturday, Aug. 1.

Born in January 1942, in Hopkins, Joan was afflicted with juvenile diabetes at the age of 13. Unwilling to let her disease define her, or even slow her down, Joan received both her undergraduate degree and master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

She and her husband of 53 years,, Bill, built a life together in Hopkins, where she taught elementary school students, and where they raised three children Julie (Jeff) Staple, John (Susie) Weick, and Rita (Jim) Betcher.

Moving to Gun Lake to begin a grocery business with her husband, Joan remained active, founding the GFWC – Gun Lake Area Women’s Club and serving as the state president.

All of Joan’s children would remain close throughout her life, allowing her to remain involved with her beloved grandchildren, Alex (Gina), Steve, Katie (Cody), Megan, Paul, Jack (Jackie), Stephanie, Sarah, Stephen, Libby, and Emily. Joan was fortunate to meet her only great-grandchild as well, Lucia Joan.

Joan’s remaining siblings include Lorraine Calkins, Christine (Fred) Steffens, Betty (Ben) Wisniewski, Maxine (John) Gordon, Stephanie (Ed) Fletcher, Robert (Lynn) Iciek; along with her in-laws Margaret Iciek, Mary Iciek, Mary Lou (George) Adams, Laurie Weick-Wood; and many nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Rose Iciek, as well as her brothers, Stanley Iciek and Joe Iciek.

The family welcomes friends and visitors from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5,  with vigil at 6 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 312 N Main, Wayland. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday with visitation one hour prior at St. Therese of Lisieux 128 Cedar St., Wayland, Fr. Charles Fischer officiating. Interment will be at Robbins Cemetery.

In honor of Joan, contributions may be made to GFWC – Gun Lake.