Joan (Kott) Dans, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, April 18, 2023, at Nancy's House in Manistee. She was 90 years old.

Joni was born on February 11, 1933 in Manistee to the late Edward & Virginia (Oleniczak) Kott. She graduated from Manistee High School and worked at Manistee County Savings Bank. She met the love of her life, Tony Dans, at the Pines Dance Hall in Manistee when Tony was stationed at the Air Force base in Empire. They married at St. Joseph Catholic Church on April 7, 1956 and danced through life as perfect partners for 57 years. Joni raised her family in Brooklyn and New Hyde Park, NY, worked as a tax preparer for H & R Block, in the accounting department at Doubleday Publishing, and in community service for the Town of North Hempstead on Long Island. She had many lifelong friends from 40 years living in her homes in Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY) and Tuxedo Avenue (Long Island, NY), and was blessed with a wonderful, loving, extended family from Tony's side in New York City and Yorktown Heights, NY.

In 1999 Joni and Tony built their dream home in Manistee, designed by Joni, where they enjoyed 13 years of retirement together. She enjoyed the last 23 years in Manistee living close to her loving sister Sandy and brother-in-law Tom Evens, attending craft sales, geocaching, sharing family celebrations and holidays. Sandy and Tom took great care of her all those years. Joni continued her lifelong passion for sewing and needlepoint, making pillows and quilts for loved ones and friends. She kept in touch with friends from grade school and high school, getting together for lunches and reunions when possible. Her home was a haven for family vacations, giving her the chance to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored. Joni grew up in Manistee, raised her children in New York, and came full circle to complete her life in her hometown.

She is survived by three children, Jean (Kevin) Nelson of Burnsville, MN, Alan (Gayle) Dans of Kissimmee, FL and Marla Dans of Pound Ridge, NY; five grandchildren, Melanie (Glenn) Lucachick of Bloomington, MN, Travis (Amanda) Nelson of Stone Mountain, GA, Miesha Dans of Kissimmee, FL, Jared Dans of Hyattsville, MD and Emily Eller of Pound Ridge, NY; two great-grandchildren, Theodore and Sonia Lucachick of Bloomington, MN; her sister, Sandra (Tom) Evens, of Kaleva, MI and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend Basil Lek celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.

The Evening Vigil Service will be prayed Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee, where friends may begin calling Wednesday afternoon after 4:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday afternoon from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and also on Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of leaving for the church at 10:40 am.

Memorials will be established in Joan's name for Nancy's House, 6339 Miller Road, Manistee, MI 49660 and Divine Mercy Parish of Manistee. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Rest in Peace, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. It is never goodbye, but just "until we meet again".

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.