Obituary of Joan von Plonski

Lucille Joan von Plonski, was born on March 9, 1935 in Mount Vernon, Kentucky to the union of William and Stella (Watkins) Drew. Throughout her childhood, she had many extended family members that provided guidance and care. On August 18, 1973, Joan was joined in marriage to John “Paul” von Plonski in an outdoor ceremony held in Holland, Michigan. Together they were blessed with seven children. 

Joan dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She loved her  family unconditionally. Joan could often be found in her favorite room of the house, the kitchen, where she would whip up some of her best dishes and baked goods. Joan took meticulous care of her flower and vegetable gardens and spent countless hours canning to share her crop with friends and loved ones. She also had a green thumb for houseplants and ensured they were properly cared for by the “plant sitter” when she was out of town. Her husband had developed a watering system so she could quickly and efficiently provide for her beloved plants.

Joan spent many years catching the winds of the Great Lakes on her sailboat and later cruising on her pontoon boat in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. When Joan was not on the water, she enjoyed trying her luck on the slots at the casinos in Detroit. No matter where she went, she never left home without putting on her coral-colored lipstick first. The epitome of class, Joan left a legacy of grace, beauty, and kindness for her family and all those who knew her.

Lucille Joan von Plonski, age 85, of Monroe, Michigan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Paul von Plonski; and seven siblings.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her children: Geoffrey (Omar Dominguez) Hemwall, Lennert Hemwall, Kurt (Lori) von Plonski, James (Michelle) Hemwall, Leslie (Sandy) Chriswell, Heidi (Robert) Todd, and Kelly (Brad) von Plonski; sisters: Sylvia and Judy; brother: Richard Drew; seventeen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren.

Inurnment will occur at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monroe at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162, (734)384-5185.

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