Joan Lucile Hodowal

Joan Lucile Hodowal, 94, of La Porte, IN, passed away on September 12, 2022, having never acknowledged she was indeed quite elderly, a fact that likely contributed to her remarkable longevity. Until the day she left us, our mother also never considered her wardrobe to be complete. Many catalog companies will now see a marked decline in business.

Joan was born on June 16, 1928 in Michigan City IN, to Leo F. and Lucille (Lambka) Schrader.  She was the eldest of their three children.

Joan was raised in New Buffalo, MI, where she graduated from high school in 1946. She then attended Michigan State University and returned to New Buffalo, where she raised her four children, making somewhat mediocre meals, but redeeming herself by making absolutely delicious desserts.

On a very snowy December 31, 1971, Joan married John W. "Jack" Hodowal in Michigan City, IN. Together they owned Tuholski’s  Feed and Seed in Michigan City, IN. After that business was sold, Joan worked at Mercy-Memorial Medical Center in St Joseph, MI until her retirement. Joan was an avid bowler and spent many years on the Thursday night women’s league at Theo’s Lanes in New Buffalo, along with her longtime teammates that included her dearest, life-long friend, Bobbye Bean. To her family’s surprise, later in life, Joan became an avid sports fan, particularly of tennis, and would spend untold hours watching every sports event televised.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, who passed in 2015; sister, Nancy L. Thorne, who passed in 1993; and brother, Charles F. Schrader, who passed in 2015.

Surviving Joan are her children, Patricia (Marc) Schoeneich of Leesburg, FL, Susan (Kevin) Handley of Roswell, GA, Robert (Dean Urban) Russell of La Porte, IN, and Julie Woerdehoff of Iron Mountain, MI. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Cara (Josh) Bach, Dana (Ben) Clemons, Jennifer (Chad) Troyer, Allyson (Jim) Tregillis, Scott Shelby, Brian (Crystal) Handley, Katie Woerdehoff; and great grandchildren, Victoria, Maria, Rosemary, Frances and Amelia Bach, Oliver Clemons, Shiloh and Willow Troyer, and Isabelle and Jacob Tregillis.

Joan’s family would like to thank the staff at Settlers Place of LaPorte, IN for the care she received while residing there. You all have touched our hearts. They’d also like to thank David and Gail Purnell, Joan’s neighbors in LaPorte, for the love and care they provided her for many years.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.  At a later date, a Private Graveside services will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo, MI.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Michiana Humane Society, 722 Indiana Highway 212, Michigan City, IN, 46360.

Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.

The funeral home has arranged for you to gift fully prepared meals to the family to assist them during this difficult time. For more information, click here.