Joan Marie Demel, 86, passed away April 12, 2021, at her home in Great Bend. She was born Dec. 14, 1934, at Great Bend, to Ewald and Rose (Schwartz) Kuhlman. She married Anthony Aloysius Demel on Dec. 26, 1957, at Olmitz. He died July 10, 2004.

A lifetime Barton county resident, Joan grew up in Albert. She lived in Hoisington from 1960 to 1968 before moving to Great Bend. Joan was a homemaker and also a teacher in rural Barton County and several area Catholic schools until the late 1960’s. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, the Altar Society and a former 4-H leader. She loved to garden and fish. Joan especially loved spending time with her family, her kitty Mitzi, chickens and guineas. 

Survivors include, two sons, Tim Demel of Olmitz and Terry Demel and wife Vickie of Richland, Mo.; a daughter, Judy Demel and significant other Bruce Lawrence of Great Bend; a brother, Francis Kuhlman of Canyon Lake, Calif.; eight grandchildren, Rebekah Graham (Chris), Alethea Ashbaugh, Joe Ashbaugh (Kyleen), Catie Demel (John Montgomery), Kristen Beakley (Cameron), Melissa Demel, Matthew Demel and Jonathan Demel; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Anthony Demel; and a sister and brother in law, Marian and James Rajewski.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Bryant Funeral Home, with Vigil service and Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 16, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Don Bedore presiding. Interment will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Olmitz. Memorials have been designated to St. Ann Cemetery or Parkinson’s Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 16, 2021