Joan Wickwire

Joan Marilyn (Rundquist) Wickwire, age 89, of Grand Rapids passed away on February 6, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family and Spectrum Health Hospice. The daughter of Ivar "Curly" & Dorothy M. (Lane) Rundquist, she was born on March 14, 1931 in Detroit. On June 4, 1949 in Detroit, she married William Reaves Wickwire, and together, they enjoyed over 67 years of marriage and raised three daughters. Joan was very active and had interests in many things. She loved to sew, having made many quilts for friends and family, and loved painting and doing crafts. Joan would also get on the roof with the guys and start nailing shingles, or she would be out in the garage giving the guys tips on how to put brakes on their cars. In her younger years Joan did a lot of ice skating. There was never anyone faster than her on the rink. She had her racing skates (also her red hooded coat) and was awesome. Joan's house was never empty. All of her grandchildren would go to grandma and grandpa for help, food, or just to visit. She was known on Christmas Eve for having the most powdered sugar on her top. She loved rosettes with powdered sugar on them and would eat many, but never gain a pound. You could not say no when grandma offered cheese and crackers before a big meal-she was always feeding someone. Everyone was welcome at Gram's house. She would always get on the floor to play with any of the kids visiting. She loved them all! She also loved animals. She missed her little dog Casey so much. We know she is with Casey and Dad now, so she is happy! There is, however, a big void in all of our hearts with mom (grandma) gone. We all loved her dearly. She was little but mighty! She was preceded in death by her husband, William R. Wickwire. Surviving are her daughters, Charrie A. Duffy, Debra and Donald Nyhuis and Robin & Robert Noakes; grandchildren, Shawn & Bambi Ricketts, Amy & Craig Vreeland, Ryan & Jodi Noakes, Bill & Anne Duffy, Chris Duffy, Kyle & Elena Noakes, Katie & Ben Garza, Jeff Duffy & Mallory Rosenback, Molly & Blake Sanborn, Ben Nyhuis & Christina Kunde, and Taylor Noakes & Jaimie Powell; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen's Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, (616) 754-5638. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan Wickwire, please visit our flower store.