Joanne Eve Neihardt

Joanne Eve Neihardt, 81, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service to the Grand Traverse Region and a deep love for her extended family and friends.

Joanne was born on April 4th, 1945, to Josephine and Ervin Komerska of Traverse City, and graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1963. Joanne attended the Henry Ford School of Nursing in Detroit, and later graduated with degrees in Nursing from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.

In 1964 Joanne married the love of her life, Joe Neihardt of Traverse City, and their marriage lasted for 62 years until her passing. They raised a son, Jonas E. Neihardt, and a daughter, Julienne Gaines. Throughout her life, Joanne actively supported the academic and athletic pursuits of her beloved children and five grandchildren: Isabella Neihardt, Jonas P. Neihardt, Thomas Gaines, Amalia Gaines, and Cooper Gaines. Joanne is also survived by her two dear sisters, Janine Lehmann of Cedar and Jeanette Basch of Traverse City.

Joanne worked as an Operating Room Nurse at Munson Medical Center before serving in various positions at the Traverse City State Hospital, ultimately serving as the Director of Nursing. She also served as the Director of the Women’s and Infant Children Program for Northwestern Lower Michigan. Joanne concluded her career by teaching Nursing at Kirtland Community College, and greatly enjoyed preparing many Northern Michigan students for careers in Nursing.

In retirement Joanne participated in the Maritime Heritage Alliance, sailing replicas of historic schooners on all five of the Great Lakes and educating visitors at their ports of call. She loved to travel, visiting many of the national parks and historical sites in the United States with her family, as well as traveling abroad with her sisters. A history buff, Joanne traced family genealogy back many centuries and traveled to places that were significant in the family’s history both in the United States and Europe. An accomplished watercolorist, Joanne captured the beauty of these places with her easel and brush.

A celebration of Joanne’s life will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10am inside the Funeral Home and her service will take place at 11am under the tent in the Gardens of the Funeral Home.

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