Joan “Joannie” Kay Spence, December 22, 1951 – April 7, 2026.
Joan “Joannie” Kay Spence, 74, of La Porte, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Joannie was born December 22, 1951, to Ira “Pete” and Kate (Corish) Weisjohn.
Joannie graduated from La Porte High School in 1970. In her senior year of high school, Joannie began working at Whirlpool Corporation, a job that evolved into a 40-year career.
It was at Whirlpool where Joannie met her future husband, Ronald Spence. Joannie and Ron married on May 21, 1977, and enjoyed nearly 49 years of a beautiful marriage. Ron preceded Joannie in death by one day.
Joannie was a light in the lives of everyone who knew her. She was funny, generous, and extraordinarily kind. Joannie enjoyed hosting holiday gatherings in her home. Christmas was her favorite holiday, but there were many fun-filled gatherings with extended family for both Easter and the 4th of July, where great memories were made. Joannie loved shopping with her best friends, going out to dinner, reading, baking sweet treats for her grandkids, and daily couch snuggles with her dog, Beau.
While Joannie will be deeply missed by her loved ones on earth, they find comfort in knowing that she is at peace and forever reunited with her husband, her parents, and her brother William “Bill” Weisjohn.
She is survived by her two step-daughters, Julie Kos (Steven) of La Porte and Carrie Spence (Karen) of Carmel, IN; three grandchildren, Steven Kos, Katie Spence, and William Spence; three sisters in law, Janet Sonnenberg of South Bend, Kathy Haenes of South Bend, and Sharon Weisjohn of Ontario, CA; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends who were truly family to Joannie including Debra Birkholz, Carla Antos, and Michele Belzowski. And of course, her beloved dog, Beau, who will miss her dearly.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd. La Porte, (219) 362-3100, is caring for the arrangements.
Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com.
Joannie was a true animal lover. Throughout her life, Joannie shared a home with some of the luckiest dogs to ever walk this earth, including Cindy, Corkie, Runt, Skeeter, Eddie, Casey, Charlie, and Beau. We can only imagine her joy in reuniting with the pets who passed before her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to LaPorte’s Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center in Joannie’s memory.
