Joan M. Grieshop, age 85 of Oldenburg, passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at St. Andrew’s Health Campus. Born September 28, 1932 in Greensburg, Indiana, she is the daughter of Marie (Nee: Feldkamp) and Joseph Duvelius. She married Robert Grieshop October 11, 1958 at Holy Family Church in Oldenburg and he preceded her in death on May 2, 2017. Joan could best be described as a kind, gentle and generous woman. Very devout, her faith was important to her and she was an advocate of a Catholic education. A lifelong donor and supporter of the Oldenburg Academy, she encouraged her children and grandchildren to attend the Academy.
Joan worked various jobs over the years including a nurse’s aide at Hospitality Hall; clerk at Danner’s Variety Store, marketing for the Hill-Rom Company and an Administrative Assistant at Hillenbrand’s Industries before retiring June 30, 1998. She was a member of Holy Family Church, the Daughters of Isabella and the Immaculata Club.
Joan was a woman of high integrity. Her family remembers a shopping trip to the grocery store many years ago. After checking out and getting into the car, she realized she was given too much change back, so she walked into the store and returned the money. She truly led by example.
For Joan, family was her priority and their needs always came first. Satisfied with the simple things in life, she loved living in Oldenburg and the advantages of a small town. She never dreamed of moving or ever had the desire too.
Joan had a wide circle of close and loyal friends. A member of the same card club for over 40 years, she loved playing 500. She also enjoyed playing bingo on Thursday’s at St. Louis School, as well as trips to the riverboats to play the slots. Bob would often accompany her to the casino and “Let’s go for a drive” was code for “I want to go to the boat!”
Joan was very fond of the semi-annual trips to Gatlinburg with Bob, along with numerous bus trips over the years. Her family also remembers her wonderful sense of humor and making them laugh at simple, silly things. A talented seamstress, she made most of her daughter’s clothes when they were young and could make anything for the home.
Joan loved a good Manhattan cocktail and introduced the drink to family members once they turned 40. Although not necessarily a gourmet cook, she liked entertaining family and friends. Her family teased that she was good at making reservations and always knew where to pick up the best fried chicken in town. However, she will be remembered for her frozen razzleberry pie and endless supply of Neapolitan ice cream.
Joan is survived by her daughters Janet (Roger) Kirschner of Batesville, Beth (Ron) Bulach of Hamilton, Ohio; son Mark (Deb) Grieshop of Oldenburg; brother Dan Duvelius of Indianapolis; grandchildren Sarah (Chad) Clark of Louisville, Kentucky, Michael Kirschner of Oakland, California, Lauren Kirchner of Noblesville, Indiana, Megan (Allen) Zernich of Bright, Indiana, Bailey (Alex) Wilhelm of Indianapolis, Margaret Grieshop, Jonathan Grieshop, both of Oldenburg, Katie (Derek) Elbert of Charlestown, Indiana, Dan (Wittney) Bulach, Nick (Kati Schwab) Bulach, both of Hamilton, Ohio and great grandchildren Emmaline Clark, Thomas Elbert, Clare Elbert and Leah Bulach. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by sister Doris Rothan and grandchild Taylor Grieshop.
The family welcomes your presence at the visitation on Friday, October 13th, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home with a rosary service at 4 p.m. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Saturday, October 14th, at Holy Family Church with Rev. Dennis Duvelius officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family suggests memorials to the Oldenburg Academy Capital Improvement Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association.