Joan B. (Weber) Pickelman

Joan B. Pickelman, of Auburn, passed away on May 4, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family, friends and beloved pets at the age of 87.  Joan was born on May 27, 1935 in Bay County to the late Earl and Leona (Spangler) Weber.  Joan resided in Auburn all of her life where she raised miniature horses on her farm for over 40 years.  She loved visiting with all the people that stopped by the farm to see the horses and always greeted them with a smile and warm welcome.  She had a great love for all of the animals that live on the farm and went to great lengths to make sure that they were loved and well taken care of.  Joanie was an avid bird and squirrel watcher and enjoyed watching them come to the feeders that were placed in the yard.  She had regular visits from her four-legged friends Bella, Bena, Layla and Kali that came to grams house to get spoiled.  She had an extra special place in her heart for her grand dog Carly who greeted her with a big lick on her face every morning. 

Joan worked at DOW Chemical for 30 years in many different capacities, the last being a customer service representative for DOW Plastic Lined Pipe. She loved working and all the people that she worked with.  She would say many times after she retired that she wished she was working again. 

Joan could strike up a conversation with anyone.  She was a person who loved to visit with people.  She loved listening to old country music, bluegrass music and tending to her house plants.  She also enjoyed putting puzzles together and displayed many of them in her home. 

On September 25, 1954, she married Don Pickelman. They shared many years together working at their farm.  Don predeceased her on July 16, 2009.  Joan was also predeceased by her son Darren on February 17, 2016.  Joan was her son’s caregiver for over 20 years while he battled MS.  She was also predeceased by her brothers Lynn and Glenn Weber, brother-in-law Carl Pickelman and lifelong friends Sam and Edi Carlin and Joanie Doyen. 

Joan is survived by her daughter Jolene, son-in-law Dave, granddaughter Jess and grand dog Carly, as well as her horses Dezi, Lil Magic, Lil Red and Jade.   She is also survived by her sister-in-law Evelyn Pickelman, nephews Craig and his daughters Samantha and Amanda; Mark (Diane) Pickelman.  Joanie had many good laughs and conversations with her dear friends Helen, Liz and Jill Fisher.

A special thank you to Joan’s caregivers Tammy, Sue, Marcy, Sara, Crystal and all the members of the Care Team that visited mom. The care and love shown to mom by these people was amazing.  She loved visiting each of them.  A special thank you to Dan for keeping the farm looking so beautiful. 

Funeral and committal services will be conducted at 11: 00 a.m. Friday May 12, 2023 from Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Interment will be in Floral Gardens Cemetery, Bay City. Family will receive guests at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 until 7:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be offered to the Midland County or Bay County Humane Society’s. Personal messages of condolence maybe offered to the family at www.wilson-miller.com

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