Joan Buhnerkemper, age 93 of Salem, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Odin Health and Rehab Center in Odin. Joan was a member of the First Christian Church in Salem. She worked as a P.E. teacher in the Chicago area until retirement. Joan was a Pink Lady at Salem Township Hospital where she served over 4,000 hours. She loved to swim, and enjoyed doing so until she was no longer able.
Celebration of Life services will be held on Tuesday September 28, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Salem with Al LaRue and Phil Martin officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salem First Christian Church and can be left at the church or at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.CrouseFH.com.
Survivors include her nieces and nephews, McGee, Flip, Lisa, and Marty; great nieces and nephews, Cory and wife Barb, K.C. and wife Casey, and Ariana; and great- great nephews, Cole and Will. She is also survived by her many friends and family at First Christian Church in Salem.
Joan was born on May 15, 1928 in Harvey, Illinois the daughter of High James and Lucille (Martin) Maplesden. She married Maurice Buhnerkemper and he preceded her in death. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister and brother in-law, Grace and George, and a nephew, Doug.
