Joan Laarman

Joan lived her life on the basis of the biblical truth expressed in the first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism: “What is your only comfort in life and in death? That I am not my own, but belong — body and soul, in life and in death — to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.”

On June 18, 1971, Joan married Edward Laarman, and they enjoyed 51 years together as partners in life and in service to others. Their son Joel lives in Germany with his wife Carolin and their children Lea and Henri. Son Benjamin lives in Niagara with his wife Kelly and their children Myles, Elijah, and Brooks. Joan’s family gave her immense joy.

Joan earned a B.A. from Calvin College and an M.S.W. degree from Michigan State University. When Ed asked her which of the many types of therapy she would offer her clients, she replied, “Love therapy.” Joan worked as a social worker in Grand Rapids; Mishawaka, Ind.; and Appleton, Wis.

Then at the University of Iowa she partnered with Ed in campus ministry, offering Bible studies and hospitality to international students and scholars. During her 10 years in Iowa, she served a meal in her home to people from six continents and 77 different countries.

As her life drew to a close, Joan expressed her deep gratitude to God for the many ways her extended family, friends from many countries, and fellow church members had enriched her life. She encourages everyone to nurture the seed of love God has implanted in us, and to accept God’s gift of love and forgiveness in Christ. Joan was quick to admit that she often fell short, but she also knew that love is possible: “We love because [God] first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

We wish to express our deep gratitude to Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson, Unity Hospice of Wisconsin, and Rev. Mike March and the congregation of First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford for their wonderful care and support for Joan and the family during her illness.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at a later date. Comments for the family can be made on the website of Erickson-Rochon-Nash Funeral Home, www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

Joan requested that in lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to give a memorial gift donate to Refugee Services of Bethany Christian Services or a similar organization. See www.bethany.org or send a check to Bethany Christian Services, P.O. Box 294, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0294, and put Joan’s name in the memo line. Thank you!

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Joan D. Laarman online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.