Josephine "Joann" Kleaver

SKANDIA TOWNSHIP - Josephine Ann "Joann" (Holm) Kleaver, age 79, of Skandia Township, entered eternal life Saturday morning, December 12, 2015, at her home, in the loving, comforting care of her family. Born February 6, 1936, in Marquette, a daughter of Clifford and Florence (Durand) Holm, Joann was raised in Marquette and graduated from Graveraet High School in 1954. She married, residing in Marquette Township, and began raising a family. She worked in the produce department of the original Angeli's Grocery on West Washington Street for several years. On April 3, 1964, Joann married Otis Frank Kleaver in Marquette and together the couple operated a farm in Skandia where they raised horses and dogs, mostly collies and beagles, at their O'Jo Kennels. In 1979, the couple moved to Bedfordshire, England where Otis managed a commissary at Chicksands AFB for five years. They also relocated to Miami, Florida, Montgomery, Alabama, Wichita, Kansas, Oscoda, Michigan, Fairborn, Ohio, and finally K.I. Sawyer AFB. Joann had always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but family commitments only allowed her to serve, in her younger years before marriage, as a "Candy Striper" at the former St. Mary's Hospital and, later while residing in Ohio, as a nurse's aide at a local nursing home. She always maintained a caring love for family, friends, her animals, and nature. Both Joann and Otis loved the outdoors and all that nature had to offer. Joann was an avid deer hunter, loved animals, enjoyed rummage sales, decorating, and computer networking through Facebook and selling items on eBay. She loved her life in Skandia and could often be found sitting on her porch, sipping coffee, and watching the birds and squirrels that frequented her yard. Joann was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church and a supporter of UPAWS. A loving mother and proud grandmother, Joann is survived by her children, Debra (John) Kay of Little Lake, Tina Marie (Dave) Bartolovic of Gwinn, Sharon (Leonard) Bodenus of Little Lake, Greg Kleaver and Bonnie (Bill) Baumann both of Gwinn, and Sherri (Steve) Queen of Skandia; her grandchildren, John (Ashley Hernandez) Kay, Darlene Kay, Billy Jack (Nicole) Gauthier, Amy Jo (Gina) Gauthier, Amanda Gauthier, Lenny (Marie) Bodenus, Dustin Baumann, Bobbi Baumann, Tammi Troiber, Joey (Amanda) Troiber, Michael Troiber, Raiellen Troiber, Virginia, Jesse, and Ashley Kleaver; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Jack, Brynlee, Lauren, Anthony, Adrienne, Taejon, Camron, Breaon, and Deaveon; special friends, Judy and Ken; her beloved canine companions, Maggie Mae, Robo, and Ranger; bird, Sam; and ducks, Sweet Pea and Charlie. Joann was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Otis, in 2014; a great-grandson, Keyvon Troiber; a sister, Theresa Trotochaud; and brothers, infant Wilbur Holm, Alfred Holm who died in the Korean War, and David Holm; and canine pals, Jo and Nemo. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Friday, December 18, beginning at 3:30 pm. A memorial service will follow at 5:30 pm Friday evening with Sr. Colleen Sweeting, OSF officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to UPAWS (Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter), P.O. Box 968, Marquette, MI 49855. Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderfuneralhome.com