Joan Beres

In Loving Memory of Joan Amelia Beres (1937–2026)

Joan Amelia Beres, 88, of Presque Isle, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, at the Besser Senior Living Center in Alpena, Michigan.

Born in Pontiac on May 18, 1937, to Gustav and Marion (Waring) Wolfe, Joan’s life was defined by an enduring pursuit of knowledge and a heart for service. A dedicated lifelong learner, she achieved a uniquely cherished milestone in 1976 when she graduated from the Waterford School District alongside her son, Patrick—a bond they would share forever. She later advanced her commitment to helping others by earning her LPN degree and license from Oakland Community College. In 1985, Joan married Robert Beres in Drayton Plains (now Waterford) in a ceremony officiated by Steven Gibbs and surrounded by her family. Their 46-year partnership was deeply rooted in faith and devotion. Joan’s generous spirit extended far beyond her home; she was a fixture in her community, driving school buses, providing nursing home care in Mio, Michigan, serving on activity boards, and opening her doors to foster children in need of a safe place to live. She found her greatest joy in her creative passions—crafting award-winning ceramic dolls and mastering intricate embroidery—gifting many of her handmade treasures to those she loved.

Her Legacy
Joan is survived by her devoted husband, Robert, and their blended family of nine children: Loretta (Steve) Gibbs, Ronald (Jane) Stottlemyer, Patrick (Darcy) Stottlemyer, Michael (Arail Saenz) Stottlemyer, Victoria (Dave) Weiss, Deborah (Frank) Dutkiewicz, Jackie Bleisch, Mark (Jennifer) Beres, and Karen Beres. Her love lives on through 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marion Norman, and her beloved grandsons, Scott and Kory.

Service Information
A visitation will be held at Rogers City Baptist Church on Saturday, June 13th, from 1:00 p.m. until the Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Drew Rogers will officiate, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Memorials
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rogers City Baptist Church in Joan’s memory.

Online condolences may be shared at www.beckfuneralhome.org.