Joan Scholl

With her kind heart and tender touch, Joan Scholl was a natural caregiver throughout her life. Whether caring for her children, her patients, or those in need in her community, Joan made a significant impact in the lives of many.

Joan’s story begins during some of the most trying days our nation has ever seen due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression that blanketed America throughout the entire decade. Born on May 29, 1937, to Walter and Martha (Botwinski) Golec, Joan was the middle of three children in her family. Her father worked as a truck manufacturing supervisor while her mother was a registered nurse. Joan was raised in the family home on Jackson Street NW and attended St. James Elementary and Catholic Central High School. The Golec family belonged to St. James Catholic Church near their home.

After graduating from high school, Joan went on to St. Mary’s College on the campus of Notre Dame where she earned her degree as a registered nurse. With her education behind her, she began working as an RN for Dr. Raymond B. Lang.

Life was forever changed for Joan when she met the love of her life - a man named Raymond Scholl. The couple dated for a time and was married on February 20, 1965, at St. James Catholic Church. When children began arriving, Joan stayed home to fully immerse herself into her role as a mother. Together they were blessed with two girls, Martha and Sarah. The family moved around a lot as Ray’s job search took them from Grand Rapids to Canada, to California and back to Grand Rapids, and then to Holland before settling back in Grand Rapids again.

In addition to caring for her family, Joan was dedicated to her career. She spent many years working for Dr. Lang, and she also worked as an RN in Nevada and also at Butterworth Hospital, Springbrook Manor, and Holland Home. Joan officially retired seven years ago.

Throughout her life Joan enjoyed many things. She was a fabulous cook whose specialities included lasagna, split pea soup, and a Thanksgiving dinner that was second to none. Joan loved listening to Neil Diamond and Engelbert Humperdinck, and she enjoyed watching Dancing with the Stars. She also volunteered for Kids Food Basket and for the Holland Home when she had the time.

A woman who was content in all things, Joan Scholl brought so much beauty to the world around her. She inspired us through her graceful strength and kept us laughing with her unmatched sense of humor. Joan will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Joan Scholl died on September 15, 2011. Jean’s family includes her daughters, Martha Jane (Carl) Nelson and Sarah Louise (Dan) Silvernail; sister, Judith (Cullen) Sapp; sisters-in-law, Barbara Scholl and Jane (Jerald) Tebeau; and grandson, Joshua, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, L. Raymond Scholl; brother, Jerome Golec; parents, Walter and Martha Golec; and brother-in-law, Charles J. Scholl. Visit with Jean’s family and friends at noon on Friday, September 23rd at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2750 Burton SE with a memorial Mass to follow at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Spectrum Health Foundation - Ramond B. Lang Fund, 100 Michigan NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.