Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Joan Atherton Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Her life began March 3, 1956, in Niles, Michigan, the youngest of two born to Wesley and Irma Jean Kloko. She married Robert Atherton July 14, 1984, in Niles, Michigan.
Joan was the matriarch of the family and loved organizing events with her loved ones. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life. She was a devote Christian and participated in church virtually at Christian Center Church. Joan had a wide array of occupations throughout her life, including a professional singer, songwriter, aerobics teacher, and working at a records store.
Joan will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her husband of forty-one years; one daughter, Jovan (Joe) Groves of Sodus; one son, Jordan Atherton of Dowagiac; four grandsons, Gabriel Atherton, Gavin Atherton, Joseph Groves, Teddy Atherton, all of Dowagiac; and two great grandchildren, Max, Arty.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Lynn Kloko.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Joan's life on a date and at a time to be announced.
The family prefers contributions in memory of Joan be made to the family in care of the funeral home to offset funeral expenses.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan Rae Atherton, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Sheila Oakes
August 16, 2025
Oh sweet Joan I just found out today that you passed away I know your so happy where you are now you talked about heaven so much we talked on the phone together so many times for so many years. I will miss you So very much I'll see you there when it's my time I love you so much. Love your friend Sheila
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Make a Donation
in Joan Atherton's name
People and places connected with Joan
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Joan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joan Atherton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
