Joan M. Kochan passed peacefully under the care of the staff of Rivers Bend Health Care and Sharon S. Richardson Hospice on July 25, 2025, at the age of 89. Joan was born in Halders, WI, on September 1, 1935, to Loretta M. (Korntved) and Andrew F. Peters. She graduated from Washington High School in Two Rivers, Class of 1953. Joan married Ralph J. Kochan on September 29, 1956, in Mishicot. He preceded her in death on February 25, 1991. She was a longtime, active member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish and was part of the Christian Women and St. Clare Society there. She faithfully cleaned the church once a month and also volunteered at St. Vincent De Paul. She loved to bake cookies for any occasion. Joan was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was everything to her.
Joan is survived by her daughters Lynn Bennett and Kay (Casey) Miller; grandchildren Matthew (Emily), Amanda (Paul), Kristin (Jon), Holly (Shane), Melissa (Tim), and Joshua (Krystal); 10 great-grandchildren and one on the way; brother Jerome (Carolyn) Peters; sisters-in-law Bonnie Peters, Lorraine Kochan; Mary Jane (Ronald) Burish; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ralph; son-in-law Steve Bennett; and brothers Vincent, Leroy (Ann), Ken (Nancy), Virgil, and DuWayne Peters; brother-in-law Donald Kochan; and sister-in-law Rose Mary (Robert) Lambert.
Relatives and friends may greet the family at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water St., Manitowoc, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. A reception and appetizers will follow the service at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, located just south of the funeral home. A private family committal will be held at Knollwood Mausoleum.
