Crystal Falls – Joan Alice Heath, 89, of Crystal Falls, Mich., passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Iron County Medical Care Facility, Crystal Falls, Mich.

She was born on March 15, 1936, in Bayfield County, Wisc., to the late Charles Aaron and Velma Belle (Gilstroopf) Heath.

She was a very active church member throughout her life. She shared her appreciation for those she dearly loved with her famous homemade cheesecake, fresh bread, valentine sugar cookies, and her delicious cinnamon rolls.

She is survived by her sons, Mark (Sherie) Van Minsel, and Stephen (Diane) Van Minsel; daughters, Debra (Martin) Zabel, and Lisa (Stephen) Clark; brother, Gerald Heath; sisters, Teresa Heath, Mildred "Millie, Pamela Heath, and Roberta Heath; eight grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the father of her children, Norbert Van Minsel; 2nd husband, George Wletschak; sons, Paul Van Minsel, and David Van Minsel; great-granddaughter, Audrey Kathleen Bowland, brothers, Charles Heath, Raymond Heath, and Frank Heath; and sisters, Patricia Wadlow, and Jenny Odom.

A Celebration of Joan's Life will be announced in the spring to be held in Milwaukee, Wisc.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Joan's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com

The family has chosen Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crystal Falls, Mich., to honor Joan's legacy of life.