Joan M. Freel

Joan M. Freel, 76 of Pierceton, Indiana passed away at 6:20 am Sunday, April 20, 2014 in Millers Merry Manor, Warsaw. On August 31, 1937, she was born in Huntington County, Indiana to Leroy and Bertha (Buss) Harris. She was united in marriage to James Freel on November 20, 1955 in Huntington, who survives. Joan worked in resupply for Heckman Bindery, North Manchester, Indiana for eighteen years. She graduated from Huntington Township High School in 1955. She always attended her class reunions and kept in touch with her classmates. Joan had many passions in her life. She enjoyed her family, caring for her grandchildren and helping family and friends. She loved memories and keeping photos and making photo albums as well as writing letters and she was very good at remembering everyone’s birthdays. Joan also loved to cook for her family and have family gatherings on Sundays which became an all-day event. She loved spring and Easter, flowers and gardening and birds especially Orioles and feeding the Hummingbirds. Joan also loved quilting, sewing, antiques, collecting collectibles, garage sales and auctions. She was an avid reader and was a frequent visitor of the local library. Joan is survived by her husband, James Freel, Pierceton; three sons, Jan (and spouse Lori) Freel, South Whitley, Jerry Freel, Kendallville and Jay (and spouse Janet) Freel, South Whitley; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and one grandchild. A funeral service will be at 11:00 am Thursday, April 24, 2014 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Pierceton with Pastor Barry Faucett officiating. Burial will be in Spring Creek Cemetery, Pierceton, Indiana Visitation hours will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the funeral chapel in Pierceton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, P.O. Box 80201, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46898-0201 or foundation@verabradley.com.