Joan Catherine Schaefer Pung Epkey

     Joan C. (Witgen-Schaefer-Pung) Epkey, a dedicated wife, devoted mother, strong woman and prayer warrior passed away peacefully on June 30, 2023. Joan Schaefer PE was born on March 19, 1930 in Fowler, Michigan

       The daughter of Frank and Mary (Pohl) Witgen, she was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She also was a long-time rosary maker, having created over 13,500 rosaries. She retired as a bookkeeper from Larry T. Schaefer Builder Inc. after 22 years of service.

      Joan’s life wasn’t an easy one, but she proved again and again, her faithfulness and trust in God. Joan married Richard H. Schaefer April 15, 1950 and he preceded her in death June 18, 1962. She then married Vernon J. Pung April 1, 1967 and he preceded her in death December 20, 1968. Joan married Louis F. Epkey on September 3, 1977, and he preceded her in death on November 26, 1986. 

      She is survived by two sons, Daniel (Diane) Schaefer of Rhodes, MI, and Kenneth (Amy) Schaefer of Cary, NC, and three daughters, Linda (Jerome L.) Thelen of St Johns, MI, Diane (Richard) Pline of Pewamo, MI and Mary Ann (Brian) Thelen of Ann Arbor, MI, 27 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren and another on the way. In addition to her husbands, Joan was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter, Abigail; her parents; her brother, Marvin Witgen; sisters, Evelyn Wieber, Marie Powell, Alma Armbrustmacher, Agatha Mankey, and Gladys Rice.

      A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Monday, July 3rd, 2023, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with Rev. Mark Thelen, her grandson, presiding. Burial to follow at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, 11112 West Ionia St., Fowler on Sunday, July 2, 2023, with the family receiving visitors from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, with the rosary at 7 PM.

         In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Right to Life or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.