Joan Schatzle, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 18, 2026, at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, laughter, and unwavering love for her family.

Born Joan Buethe to Beatrice Morris Buethe and Henry Carl Buethe, Joan spent her early years in Elk Creek, Nebraska. At the age of 15, she moved with her family to Oakland, California, where she graduated from high school at just 16 years old. Always fond of numbers, Joan later worked at Western Union in Oakland calculating the payroll.

Joan’s life changed forever during a train trip back to California. Traveling with her mother and sister, Izma, she was asked to move to another train car crowded with servicemen. Spotting a handsome young man, Joan suggested they sit across from him. That young man was Ernst Schatzle, who would become the love of her life. Joan and Ernst were married on June 5, 1948, and together built a loving home while raising five children.

Joan embraced her role as wife, mother, and homemaker with deep devotion and pride. She believed raising her children was her most important calling. At a time when harsh discipline was common, Joan chose patience, understanding, and guidance. She taught her children not simply what to do, but why, helping them grow into productive independent adults.

Known for her warm heart and quick sense of humor, Joan delighted in puns, double meanings, and shared laughter. She was generous to others throughout her life, quietly supporting numerous charitable causes and always willing to help someone in need. Her creativity and attention to detail were reflected in the beautiful needlework and handcrafted items she made with exceptional skill and care.

Joan also possessed a remarkable adventurous spirit. She loved to travel and never hesitated to gather the children into the car for cross-country journeys to visit family. Fearless and curious, she even went parasailing behind a car and flew in a Breezy experimental aircraft — experiences she embraced with enthusiasm and courage.

Above all, Joan will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the wisdom she shared, the laughter she inspired, and the steady presence she was to all who knew her. Her family was the center of her life, and her influence will continue through the generations she nurtured with such care and compassion.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Joan was the beloved wife of the late Ernst for 72 years. Cherished mother of Douglas, Gregory (Mallory), Deborah, Carlene (Gregory) Rupprecht, and Jason. Loving grandmother of Nicole, Paul (Rachel), Shawn, Jessica, Christopher, and Brandon. Great-grandmother of Ezra, Miles, and Roe.

Arrangements were entrusted to McCabe Funeral Home, Farmington Hills.