Joan Carol Bailey

Joan Carol Bailey, age 90, passed away on August 31, 2025. She was born on March 27, 1935, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Joan graduated from the University of Minnesota with an Associate of Liberal Arts degree. She supported her first husband’s medical career and worked as a consultant for organizational development and human resource management for hospital health care in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Prior to meeting Charles in 1987 she worked as an administrative assistant for the Lovejoy Tiffany Corporate Travel Agency in Ann Arbor. After marrying Charles in 1988 she moved to Schererville, Indiana and began employment as an administrative assistant for the Merrillville, Indiana Chamber of Commerce until they both retired in 2000. They have enjoyed 37 glorious years of wonderful marriage. Joan loved the piano, playing from age 6, until she passed. Her interests included reading, especially historical fiction and biographies, listening to music (classical was her favorite), and playing bridge which she started later in life. She traveled to China and Australia with the Windiana Concert Band and performed on the Sydney Opera House stage in the percussion section with the band. Her husband played trumpet in the band. Joan was a terrific cook and set a beautiful table. She always put others first in everything she did. Children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren always took center stage for Joan. She was a classy gracious lady who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Helen Geske; brother, Tim Geske, and step granddaughter, Camryn Marston. She is survived by her husband, Charles Bailey; sister, Jane Twite (David); sons, Bradley (DeAnn) Gronvall and Paul (Lynne) Gronvall; stepson, Kevin Bailey; stepdaughter, Lisa (Matt) Gelon; grandchildren, Ben Gronvall, Ashley (Adam) Reid, Shannon Joan (Cameron) Nelson, Patrick (Clair) Gronvall; step grandchildren, Bailey (Jack) Spencer, Peyton Marston, Reese Marston, Kane Bailey, Payton Bailey, Sara Gelon, Alison Gelon, and William Gelon; great granddaughters, Emory Joan Nelson, Blaise Nelson, and Harper Reid, and step great granddaughter, Alice Spencer. Joan selected cremation with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on September 22, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, 352 S. Main Street, Crown Point, IN. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Pastor Mark Wilkins officiating. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to First United Methodist Church or Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Avenue, Munster, IN, 46321. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

Joan Carol Bailey

March 27, 1935 - August 31, 2025