Joan Darlene Reister

Joan Darlene Reister, 92, of Traverse City, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. Joan was born on March 5, 1931, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to the late Leroy and Viola (Schwartz) Bondie. She married the late Robert Lawrence Reister on October 20, 1959, in Calvary Lutheran Church, Lincoln Park, Michigan and together they raised three children: Randy, Linda and Gary. In her younger years, Joan worked as a secretary for Ford Motor Company, showcasing her dedication and skills for many years. Throughout her life, Joan was deeply devoted to her faith and was an active member of the churches she attended. Most recently she was an active and devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City. Over the years, she contributed significantly to her Church communities, being a member of the choir, altar guild, and various boards. Joan also served as a Sunday school teacher and was an integral part of the Dorcas Society. Her kindness and compassion were evident as she helped organize funeral luncheons and supported charitable causes, such as remodeling an old church in Detroit. Where Joan and her husband redid the four corners into living spaces for battered women and their children. She held many fundraisers to fund the remodeling and they also started a Church service and held many community meals with the women and their children. She and her husband also proudly held a special fundraiser dinner to send a Vicar back to England to see his family. While her husband Robert was still living they enjoyed traveling, exploring Europe, cruising, and camping in their camper all over. Despite her husband's passing many years ago, Joan's adventurous spirit continued to shine. After her husband Robert passed away the day before Thanksgiving of 1998, Joan found joy in being with her family, walking, gardening, being at Church and swimming. She had a special fondness for the water, and often could be found near a pool or lake. While in Traverse City she enjoyed living on Hemingway Lane. She had many friends and also enjoyed serving on the Condo Association Board. Joan's legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to her Church community and faith will be cherished by all who knew her. She leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of her family and friends. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love she so freely gave to others. Joan is survived by her children, Randy (Doreen) Reister of Grosse Isle, MI, Linda (Charles) Carrell of Traverse City, Gary (Lynn) Reister of Atlanta, MI, 8 grandchildren, 14, great grandchildren, her sister Donna (Charles) Kohs of Charlevoix and many other loving family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband Robert. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church with a visitation held one hour prior. Her burial will take place next to her husband at the Glen Eden Cemetery in Livonia, MI. Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of one’s choice at Trinity Lutheran Church. Kindly share thoughts and memories with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Joan Darlene Reister

March 5, 1931 - October 21, 2023