Joan Knoertzer

08/01/1938 - 03/04/2026

Joan Knoertzer, or Joanie, as her friends called her, was born August 1, 1938, in Detroit. Her parents, Wilmer and Mildred, made sure she had a good Catholic schooling with emphasis on books and music. Those two passions would engage her throughout her life. Joan graduated from the University of Michigan in 1960 with a degree in music and performing arts education. For 35 years, she taught at many Ann Arbor elementary and middle schools. In the 1960's, she developed a radio program with WUOM to bring music education to students in rural areas who otherwise would have had none. In 1968, while teaching at Allen School, she directed and produced four 30-minute programs featuring the Allen Ensemble which aired on Detroit's Channel 2.
Joanie was the ultimate bibliophile. Her collections were varied and found a good home in her Bed & Breakfast, The Library, which she opened in 1991. The hostelry featured cleverly themed rooms – the "Well-Read Room" (All the books were red,) the "Go Blue" bathroom, the Poetry Corner. Her guests, from all over the world, enjoyed her gracious hospitality. Clements Library Scholars were particularly favorite guests at the B & B. Joan sat on the Board of Governors at the Clements. She was also past president of The Book Club of Detroit, Vice Chair of the Fellowship of American Bibliophile (FABS), on the Board of Directors of the Ann Arbor Book Fair, and a member of the Florida Bibliophile Society. Locally, Joanie belonged to Questers (past president), Zonta, and Rotary.
Joan's other great passion was the University of Michigan, particularly athletics. She had court-side season tickets for both men's and women's basketball games for years. She searched for and found "Wolverine" hostas which she herself planted on U of M's athletic campus. She was a competent gardener. And her maize and blue wardrobe was extensive. One could count on her to be decked out in U of M attire, especially hats, on any occasion.
Joanie was also an accomplished musician. She sang and played piano professionally at several local venues as well as for private celebrations. Friends counted on her for music at their weddings and memorial services.
Joanie's other talents included golfing, playing bridge, flying (She co-owned a Cessna 150), and cooking. In recent years, she greatly enjoyed dining out. The staffs at Benny's and Knight's will really miss her.
She was a devoted daughter, caring for her mother with gentleness and taking her on pilgrimages. She was a wildlife lover, trapping feral cats and paying for their neutering and vet care. Joan also fed the wildlife in her neighborhood, to the dismay of friends who had to dodge the squirrels and possums hanging out at her kitchen door.
Joanie was kind and generous to all. The Clements Library and the Lyon Township Public Library especially benefitted from her donations. Her bubbly laugh and vivaciousness were the cure for anyone's blues. She was a dear friend who will be sorely missed.
In her memory, sing a song, feed the birds, or adopt a rescued cat.
A celebration of Joan's life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 1pm. Visitation will begin at 12pm at Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103.