Joan Frances (Huenink) Lotz

Joan “Jo” Frances (Huenink) Lotz

Child of God -

Joan “Jo” Frances (Huenink) Lotz, age 82, of Mechanicsburg, entered eternal life on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.  Joan was born on Tuesday, February 1, 1938, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to the late Elizabeth (Van Tatenhove) Huenink and Bernard Lester Huenink.  In addition to her parents, Joan is preceded in death by her two infant grandchildren: Alex and Autumn Soltys.

Those celebrating Joan's life include her three daughters: Rebecca Jo Lotz of Mechanicsburg, Ruth Pauline Lotz and her husband Joe Hudock of Harrisburg, Mary Lotz Soltys and her husband Dan of Reisterstown, MD; her grandson: Luke Soltys; her two sisters: Pauline Mather and her husband Richard of Salem, OR, and Ruth Meylink and her husband John of Burnett, WI; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, friends near and far, and her church family at Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church.

Joan treasured her childhood with her parents, sisters, and beloved beagle Zippy, growing up in Cedar Grove, WI, with adventurous summers on Lake Michigan, playing volleyball, running with the moon, and playing 500 card games.  She graduated valedictorian from Cedar Grove High School. She received her bachelor's degree from Carroll University in Waukesha, WI, and master’s degree in Christian education from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL.

A cherished Bible verse was Micah 6:8 "what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Joan lived this out by passionately working for peace and social justice. Joan fought to end world hunger, annually visiting legislators in Washington, D.C. to advocate for fair legislation to address hunger and poverty. She loved children and all peoples. Her compassion and kindness were unending. Joan's devotion as a loving mother meant she always put her family's needs before her own.

Joan had a deep appreciation for nature and classical and choral music. She enjoyed many hikes in state and national parks, especially with the happy hikers group. Her love of service translated into countless deeds including helping with numerous Presbyterian Women activities, serving at local food pantries, mentoring school children, ushering for  musical groups, litter cleanup through Adopt-a-Highway program, and taking mission trips - including many to Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska.

Joan found joy in the beauty and wonder of life. Annual vacations to Dewey Beach, DE meant rising early to view the awesome sunrises while reading her daily devotions and looking for dolphins, and she planned the timing of the trips to see the full moon rise over the ocean.  Her collection of nativities from around the world from Ten Thousand Villages were a beautiful illustration of her hope at Christmas and love for other cultures.

Her Grandson's favorite memories include her playing many games of Aggravation and 500 with him.  He will always remember one particular visit when she arrived, during a 4-day water main break, with many containers of water stating, "Water Gammy is here!"

Exemplifying the life she lived, her last great gift to us all is the donation of her body to the Pennsylvania Humanity Gifts Registry for medical teaching and research, a final selfless act of her Christian love and hope.

All are welcome to join Joan’s family at her visitation on Friday, March 18, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a service of witness to the resurrection beginning at 4:00 p.m. all at Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, 300 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; and her virtual gathering of family and friends and service via livestream beginning at 3:00 p.m., http://www.mechpresby.org/livestream.aspx?subheadertext=Live+Stream ; with The Reverend Kathryn Z. Johnston officiating.  Cremation was private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in celebration of Joan’s life can be made to Bread for the World, Attn: Membership Services, 425 3rd Street SW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20024; or www.bread.org/make-donation.

Joan's Christian faith was central to her life. Gifts to honor her life can be made to the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church (if sending a check, please write “Social Justice” in the note), 300 E. Simpson St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; or www.mechpresby.org.

Joan’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Joan’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.