Joan “JoAnn” Arnold, formerly of Wayland, died Sunday, May 6. She was 88.
Joan was a full-time homemaker taking care of her kids when they returned from Wayland schools and work. She was a part-time employee for the United States Department of Commerce. She worked on the 1970 census as a census taker and continued working for them doing housing starts, and sales and completion surveys for nearby counties.
She had many hobbies and crafts. Joan was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Portland Michigan Chapter, United First Methodist Church in Big Rapids, the Big Rapids Garden Club, and the Big Rapids Chapter of TOPS Club. Joan loved to pass on her talent of cooking and baking to children and grandchildren. She hosted an annual “cookie day,” when her daughters, daughters-in-law and grandchildren would bake more than 1,000 Christmas cookies to share and give away during the holiday season.
Joan was well known in her neighborhood for treats she would pass out during the holidays, including her homemade zucchini bread.
She is survived by her five children, Jeff (Sandy) Arnold of Jackson, Rick (Shelly) Arnold of Holland, Susan (Jeff) Huyck of Grand Rapids, Jane (John) Klapko of Escanaba, and Linda (John) Randle of Rodney; 13 grandchildren: Kaitlyn Arnold, Collin Arnold, Lauren (Gerrit) Hengeveld, Dana Arnold, Robert Arnold, Faith Huyck, Brianna (Dan) Krauss, Elizabeth (Ben) Post, Allison Huyck, Jessica Klapko, Jacob Klapko, Ben Randle, and Kyle Randle; great-grandchildren: Ivan Hengeveld, Abraham Hengeveld, James Post, Eli Lee, and Kora Krauss.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband of over 65 years, Richard “Dick” Collinson Arnold, as well as her parents Howard and Irma Wilcox.
Relatives and friends may meet Joan’s family from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, in the Chapel at Clark Retirement Home, 1551 Franklin St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, in the chapel at Clark Retirement Home. A fellowship dinner will follow the service at Clark.
In memory of Joan and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Joan’s favorite charities: the American Heart Association or the Clark Foundation.
