Obituary of Joan G. Kriss

Joan (Benson) Kriss, 83, went home to the Lord, Friday, February 10, 2012 at 7:25 PM at Tidewell Hospice House, Port Charlotte. She was born in Bay City, Michigan on November 23, 1928 as the oldest of eleven children. Joan was a long-time resident of Port Charlotte moving from Michigan some 40 years ago. In her early years in Port Charlotte, she and her late husband, Robert Benson, MD managed a busy medical practice. Also in her early Port Charlotte years, she was an active member of Kingsway Golf and Country Club, Punta Gorda Yacht Club, member of the Peace River Power Squadron and League of Women Voters. In her later years, she was a Eucharistic Minister for St. Charles Boromeao and a volunteer for St. Joe's Bon Secuor Auxillary. In 2000, having been widowed for several years, Joan married Richard O. Kriss. They enjoyed golf and bridge while at King's Gate. Joan is survived by her daughter, Marjorie Pettit (Jay Pettit) of Trenton, FL; her grandchildren including Michael Pelczar, Carrie Litchfield (Brad), and Christina Gomez (DJ); and four great-grandchildren, Katie and Joey Litchfield, Silvan Pelczar and Treyton Kaufman. She is also survived by her son, Jim Stevens (Charlotte) of Worthington, OH; her grandchildren including, Phillip and Jeffrey Stevens; and one great-grandson, Hunter Stevens. In addition to these children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren, Joan is survived by her siblings, Lucille Kwater, Saginaw, MI, Leonard (Juanita) Wrzesinski, Charleston, MO, Mary Ellen Lucke, Essexville, MI, Joyce Van Zale, Saginaw, MI, and Annette, of Essexville, MI. A Memorial Mass will be offered on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 11:00AM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 21505 Augusta Avenue in Port Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238. Final arrangements are being handled by Paul Schelm Funeral Home, Lake Suzy, FL. Phone (941) 625-3535.