Obituary: Joan E. Schutte

As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:

Joan Evangeline (Dube) Schutte, 88, of Ahmeek MI, passed away on August 19, 2023. She was born on February 16, 1935, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Hervey and Mayme Dube.

Joan will be remembered as a beloved friend to her many friends. Her vibrant and lively presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her. There was never a dull moment when Joan was around.

Joan is survived by her loving daughter, Rita Snabb, and her son, Robert (Mary) Snabb. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Charity Wescott, Faith (Brian) Kesti, and Adam (Emily) Trebel, as well as her great-grandchildren, Hanna Wescott, James, Rebecca, and Nick Crouch, Madisson, Zella, and Graham Trebel. She is also survived by her sisters, Rita Geminani and Elaine Alatalo, and her brothers Peter (Kim), William, and James Dube, nephew Donald (Angie) Piche, and cousins Paul Kimball and Susie Dekeyser, special friend, Sheri (Ricky) Thomas, who was like another daughter to her.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Hervey and Mayme, her beloved husband William Schutte, her stepfather, Bill Johnson, her sister Janet Dube, and her infant brother David Dube. She was also preceded in death by her niece, Janice St. Peter Presnak, and many beloved dogs and cats, especially Pretty Princess Pinky Puppy.

Joan graduated from Calumet High School in 1953 and went on to have a fulfilling career. She was a very enterprising individual who always found a way to take care of her family. One of her earliest ventures was recruiting her children and their friends to pick berries so they could sell the jam she made on the roadside. Joan worked at Calumet Electronics and spent 25 years at the Copper Country Intermediate School District, where she dedicated herself to working with handicapped children and serving as a self-taught interpreter for deaf students at Houghton High School. During her time at CCISD, she organized the first MEA union for school support workers in the area, fighting tirelessly for the rights of her fellow colleagues. Joan’s dedication to unions remained unwavering throughout her life. Additionally, she co-owned the Laurium Laundromat with her husband, Billy, for many years.

While Joan was dedicated to her various endeavors, her greatest passion was her love for animals. She couldn’t bear to see any creature suffer. Joan was a founder of the Copper Country Humane Society and rescued numerous dogs and cats over the years.

Joan also saved wild animals including a fox caught in a trap with her partner in many rescues, Diane Trudgeon. She also played a vital role in the funding and construction of the new Copper Country Humane Society shelter, and her name, along with her husband’s, is proudly displayed above the door.

In her leisure time, Joan enjoyed visiting the casino and playing games. She had a deep appreciation for country music and loved attending concerts. Joan also cherished spending time with her family and friends, as well as traveling.

A private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Ahmeek. In honor of Joan’s memory, contributions can be made to Ksnag or the Copper Country Humane Society, organizations that were close to her heart.

Joan will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her vibrant presence and warm personality brought joy to those around her, and her legacy of compassion and dedication will continue to inspire.