Joan “Joni” Melges Green Age 93 of Augusta passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Joan was born in Battle Creek, MI on June 9, 1933, the daughter of Dr. Frederick J. Melges and Elizabeth (Towne) Melges. Joan grew up in Battle Creek. Joni’s love of learning began early and remained a defining part of her life. She attended Bradford Junior College before continuing her education at the University of Michigan, where she earned an A.B. in Education in 1955.

Education became not simply Joni’s profession, but one of the great purposes of her life. She was a lifelong teacher in the Battle Creek and Gull Lake school communities, teaching both science and art. She believed deeply in the importance of education and had a wonderful ability to encourage curiosity, creativity and a love of learning in her students.

Joni was also a very accomplished artist. Her creativity was an important part of who she was, and her love of art, science and nature came together beautifully throughout her life. She had an appreciation for the world around her and a desire to understand it, create within it and share that appreciation with others.

Joni had a lifelong curiosity about the natural world. She loved rocks and geology and could find fascination and beauty in stones that others might simply walk past. She loved sailing on Gull Lake, spending time on the water, enjoying the lake that had been such an important part of her life and serving on the Gull Lake Quality Organization. She also loved gardening, taking pleasure in growing and caring for plants and creating beauty around her.

Animals held a special place in Joni’s heart. She had a particular love for cats, who were cherished companions throughout her life. Her affection for animals reflected the same tenderness and appreciation for the natural world that could be seen in so many of her interests.

Her love of education continued long after her years in the classroom. For more than ten years, Joni volunteered as a guide at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary of MSU, where she continued doing what she had always loved—teaching. She shared her knowledge of birds and the natural world with visitors and delighted in helping others discover and appreciate nature.

Joni’s connection to Gull Lake was also an important part of her life. She was deeply rooted in the Gull Lake community and maintained that connection for many years. The lake, nature, friends and the community surrounding it became an important part of her story.

Joni’s life included several chapters of love and family. She was married to Jerry Pregenzer and Mark Green, who both preceded her in death. Through the years, her family remained one of the most important parts of her life. Nothing was more important to her than her children and grandchildren who survive her; son, Jeffery F. Pregenzer and his wife, Jennifer Dankert Pregenzer, daughter, Janet “Jan” Pregenzer Young; her grandchildren, Adelina “Adie” Pregenzer, Marie Pregenzer, Michaela “Mia“ Young and Ryan Young; three nephews; a niece, and many friends, including her former husband, Tim Nycum. Joni was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, David L. Melges and Dr. Frederick “Rusty” Melges