PAULDING:
M. Joan Burtch, age 83 died Wednesday, October 9 at CHP Hospice, Defiance, OH.
She was born April 11, 1930 in St. Marys, Ohio, the daughter of Edward and Iris (Henschen) Kuns. On August 28, 1949 she married Karl Burtch, who survives. She was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church where she was church organist for over 60 years. She was a piano/organ teacher, teaching many of Paulding’s musicians from the 1950’s through the 1980’s. She attended nursing school at age 52 and was employed by the Paulding County Hospital for 12 years as an LPN. Paulding Business and Professional Women’s Association named Joan Woman of the Year in 1984.
She is survived by her husband, Karl Burtch, Paulding; four sons: David Burtch of Woodland Hills, CA, Mike (Mary) Burtch, Houston, TX, Doug (Nancy) Burtch, Paulding, and Bill Burtch, of Memphis, TN; two daughters, Karla (Mike Griggs) Burtch of Cincinnati; and Joanie (Steve) Goyings, Paulding; a brother, Bill (Nancy) Kuns, Memphis, TN; and two sisters, Janice Fernow, Clearwater, FL, and Sally Harper, LaJunta, CO; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be conducted 11 AM Saturday, October 12 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding, with Rev. Karen Stetins officiating. Burial will follow in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne.
Visitation will be 2:30– 8PM Friday, October 11 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church.
Donations may be made to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com
