W. Joan Byer

W. Joan Byer, a beloved and caring soul, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the age of 92, in Elkhart, Indiana. She was born on March 14, 1933, in Winamac, Indiana, to the late Denzil and Imogene (Lane) Freeman. On March 20, 1954, Joan married her devoted husband, Richard (Mac) Byer, of Knox, Indiana, in Springfield, Tennessee. Together, they built a life full of love and dedication, and for 22 years, Joan played an integral role in the family business, Byer Florist and Greenhouse. During this time, she also made a lasting impact on the community by organizing and participating in the annual Peppermint Parade, where their floats often took home prizes. Her creativity and spirit also extended to the city of Knox, where she crafted beautiful wooden red and white candy canes when the city needed new Christmas decorations. Joan’s kindness and generosity extended well beyond her professional life. After retiring to Bass Lake, she remained active in her community, taking part in the Tri Kappa Zeta Eta Chapter, the local extension homemakers club, the Red Hat Society, and Santa’s Clauset. Joan found great joy in contributing to the education of local students by helping to provide scholarships through her involvement in these organizations. An accomplished seamstress, Joan was known for her talent, often earning awards for her creations in the open class at the county fair. Her love for crafting and helping others left an indelible mark on those who knew her. Joan is survived by her son, Richard (Denise) Byer of Elkhart, IN; her daughter, Cindy (Jeff) Kissel of Evansville, IN; one brother, Carl Freeman of Winamac, IN; four grandsons, Kevin (Jodi) Byer of Elkhart, IN, Eric (Kayleigh) Byer of Indianapolis, IN, Daniel (Leah) Kissel of Carmel, IN, and Jason (Jessie) Kissel of Fishers, IN; a great-granddaughter, Madison Byer of Elkhart, IN; and a great-grandson, Austin Kissel of Fishers, IN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard (Mac) Byer; her daughter, Connie Byer; and her siblings, John, Tom, and Jerry Freeman, and sister Ruth Freeman. Joan’s kindness, creativity, and enduring spirit will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to Noon CDT on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the Rannells Funeral Home, Hamlet Chapel. A funeral service will follow at Noon CDT at the funeral home, with private burial to take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local scholarship fund in Joan’s honor, continuing her legacy of supporting education in the community she so loved. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love she so freely gave to others.

W. Joan Byer

March 14, 1933 - March 20, 2025