Joann Marie Story, age 77 of Grand Haven (formerly Kankakee and Grant Park, Illinois), passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, at home. She was born on October 9, 1946, in Kankakee, IL, to the late Frank and Grace (DeCarlo) Deatti. She married Armand Story on March 5, 1966, in Illinois. He preceded her in death on May 22, 2012, after 46 devoted years of marriage.

Joann graduated from Kankakee High School and worked as a hairdresser until her retirement. She and her husband founded A.J. Storage in Grant Park, IL, which they owned and operated for many years. Joann was a longtime attendee of St. Patrick - St. Anthony Catholic Parish and a true pioneer woman; gardening, canning, baking, preparing meals, and caring for her family. She and Armand enjoyed remodeling old houses into warm and welcoming homes for their family and friends.

Joann also enjoyed staying active and connecting with her neighborhood walking group, thrifting, collecting antiques, and especially relished the time spent with her family and friends. Joann’s courage and bravery when faced with adversity of any kind was a hallmark of her character.

Joann will be lovingly remembered and missed by her four daughters: Suzanne Mosier, Renee (Michael) Warmoth, Jacquelyn (Bill) Hoffman, and Victoria (Kyle) Moore; nine grandchildren: Zachery, Mitchell, Riley, Will, Chloe, Cole, Alec, Nathan, and Aaron; sister, Sandra Moody; sister-in-law, Eva Lagos; and cousin, Linda Greenwood and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brother, John Deatti.

An intimate Funeral Service for Joann will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish (13421 Green St.), with Fr. Norm Droski and Chaplain Nathaniel Schmidt officiating. The Celebration of Life Visitation, including an Italian style meal to honor her heritage, will be held Thursday, January 18th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Bluebird Cancer Retreats.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joann Marie (Deatti) Story, please visit our floral store.