Obituary of Joan F. Harper

HARPER, Joan Frances of Saginaw Township passed away on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 78 years old. Joan Frances Shripka was born on November 29, 1934 in Zilwaukee, Michigan to the late Norris F. and Luella (Metiva) Shripka. She married the love of her life, Donald Lee Harper, on February 14, 1953 in Zilwaukee, Michigan; he survives her. She graduated from Arthur Hill High School, Class of 1952. She was the co-founder of The Print Shop, retiring in 1996, after 20 years of service. She enjoyed traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. Surviving besides her husband of 59 years, Donald, are three daughters and a son: Kimi Hall of Saginaw, Jody Harper of Lansing, Geni (Paul) Andrews of Saginaw, and Chris Harper of Saginaw; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Lana (Robert) Traub of Saginaw; brother, Alan (Margaret) Shripka of Maplegrove; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by son, Mark Harper. FUNERAL: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 14, 2013 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State). Rev. Fr. Thomas J. McNamara will officiate. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to call at the funeral home on Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Smile Train (Clef Pallets), 41 Madison Ave., 28th Floor, New York, NY 10010 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.