Joan K. Kearney
April 21, 1961 – May 14, 2026
In accordance with her wish, cremation will take place and a celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, 1:00 PM, at the Time Out Lounge 400 East Michigan Ave., Galesburg, MI 49053. Memorial contributions may be made to Bronson Cancer Center, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Joan Kimberly Kearney, age 65, on Galesburg, MI, passed away at Bronson Hospital on May 15, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Providence, Rhode Island on April 21, 1961, the daughter of the late James and Catherine (Stolle) Kearney Jr. Joan was a kind and loving mother, neighbor and friend. She loved animals and always looked forward to caring for her “grand-fur babies”. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping, tubing and riding motorcycles. She had a strong faith in the Lord which served as the foundation of her life. After graduating high school, she enlisted in the U.S. Army and served our country with honor. She was a member of the Comstock VFW and Eagles Post 526 where she enjoyed socializing with friends and fellow veterans. Above all Joan loved her daughter, Michaella with whom she made many fond memories. Joan’s smile, laughter and kindness will be missed by all who loved her. She is survived by a daughter, Michaella (Travis) Cullum; son, Theodore William Mielke; loyal pet cat, “Lucy”; close friends, Sally Amman, Laurie Bellisle, Elizabeth Campbell; extended family and friends. She was also preceded in passing by her life companion, John Steve and friend, Haley Jones.
my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends, as she lit up the room every time i had the pleasure of her company at the time out. she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Joan will always hold a very special place in my heart. I remember the last thing she sent me on Facebook — an animated teddy bear with the message, “Here’s a Friendship rose just for you… To let you know that you are in my thoughts and in my heart today!” What makes that message so meaningful to me is that even while she was going through so much herself, she still took the time to make me feel special and loved. I used to tease her because she was so tiny, telling her I could “fit her in my pocket.” She always laughed. She loved donut holes, so every Donut Wednesday I made sure to bring her some, even if her health sometimes kept her from eating them. Joan always dressed so cute, and whenever I complimented something, she was wearing, she’d smile and say, “Thanks, Temu!” That always made me laugh. As a Community Manager, I know how rare it is to build the kind of relationship where tenants tell you they love you, but Joan did. I feel incredibly honored and blessed to have known her the way that I did. She touched my heart, and I will miss her dearly.