Joanne T. Prieshoff, age 94 of Elwood, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, December 26, 2016 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood after a long, well-lived life. She was born July 16, 1922 in Elwood, the daughter of Joseph L. and Anna M. (Ward) Williams. She was a 1940 graduate of Elwood High School. She married the love of her life, Anthony Charles "Tony" Prieshoff on June 13, 1942, and they shared over 55 years of marriage together prior to his passing in 1997. Joanne was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood and was a member of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW), the Ladies auxiliary to the Knights of Columbus, and the Altar and Rosary Society. In the 1940's, she worked in a local factory to assist the support efforts of World War II. She also worked at Frazier's Canning Company in Elwood seasonally, and worked at Indiana-Michigan Power Company. Joanne later worked in production at Delco Remy Division of General Motors at Plant 20 in Anderson for nearly 30 years, and retired in 1982. She enjoyed crocheting, flower gardening, reading, music of all kinds, and dancing. She also formerly enjoyed spending time at Indiana lakes and traveling throughout the country and overseas with her husband. Joanne had a great sense of humor, and especially adored babies. More than anything, she was devoted to her family who will miss her very much.

Joanne's surviving legacy includes son, Daniel A. Prieshoff of Elwood; 3 daughters, Mary K. Fincher of Atlanta, Margaret A. (husband Larry) Hudson of Elwood, and Theresa M. (husband John) Pichtel of Gaston; special grandson who Joanne was a second mother to growing up in her home, Michael (wife Cynthia) Prieshoff; brother, Thomas Williams of Inverness, FL; sister, Margaret Brenner of Alexandria; 7 grandchildren, Lora Engle, Leah (husband Stephen) Pichtel, Matthew Paro, Kendra Paro, Jozef Pichtel, Derek Paro and Michael (wife Cynthia) Prieshoff, 5 great-grandchildren, Zachary, Michaela, Nolan, Colin, and Loui; 4 great great-grandchildren, Calum, Cayden, Liam, and Zane; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Lawrence Williams; brother, Michael Williams; daughter, Anne Louise Paro; and granddaughter, April Denise Hudson.

A Mass of Christian Burial Service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood with Father Dan Duff officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 7 PM on Friday, December 30, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, and will include a Rosary Service recitation at 6 PM. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Joseph Church Building Fund, the Alzheimer's Association, or the American Life League through the funeral home. Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.