Joan (Locher) Steber of White Pine passed away Monday, December 31, 2012 at the Omega House in Houghton, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Joan was born on June 5th, 1943 in Chicago Illinois to her parents, Quentin and Verna Locher. Joan graduated from Calumet High School in 1961 and soon after found the man she would marry underneath a pine tree in Twin Lakes, Michigan. James and Joan Steber tied the knot on December 28, 1963 and were married for 49 years. Joan worked for the Department of Social Services in Ontonagon, Michigan and raised her family in White Pine. She was a member of St Jude's Catholic Church and participated in the choir, the Women's Guild, and also was the President of the White Pine American Legion Auxiliary for several years.

Joan also was a devout Catholic who believed it was always better to give than to receive. She loved to travel with her husband, and spend time with her family and friends. Joan was a selfless person who thought of others before herself. In addition to her husband, Jim, she is survived by her children Michael (Sarah) Steber, James (Gisella) Steber, Kathy Steber and Brad (Liz) Steber; sisters Pam (Michael) Malone, Janet Sittner and brother Phillip (Sara) Locher and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Joan and her family are very appreciative of all her wonderful care given by the Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital staff and also the wonderful staff from the Omega House.

Joan's funeral will be Saturday, January 5th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Jude's Church in White Pine. Visitation will take place a half-hour before the service.

At Joan's request instead of flowers or gifts she would like you to consider a donation to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.