Johanna Adelaide (Baranski) Polk died Wednesday, July 26, 2017 after being overcome by her third battle with cancer. She had long wondered why she wasn't taken earlier. Perhaps it was to teach us a final lesson of graceful suffering. A broad theme of her life was overcoming adversity.

She was born on April 9, 1931 in Dwight Township, the daughter of Anthony and Adelaide (Horetski) Baranski.  She and Norbert Polk were married on May 6, 1950.

Though she never left her hometown and lead a simple life, it was by design. When life got complicated, her simple way involved prayer and perseverance.

This was a woman who loved beautiful things. Where she found a lack, she made beauty: in her garden, flowers, ceramics, crochet, and family meals. She took great joy in breaking bread and even greater joy in dessert.

This was a woman who took pride in her work. She attended Grindstone School through 8 ^th grade, but persisted in her studies to obtain her high school diploma from North Huron at age 36 -- a year before her firstborn graduated. From there, she spent a career with the United States Postal Service in Kinde, often delivering candy to children on her route. After retiring, she remained a member of the National Rural Letter Carriers Association.

This was a woman of devout Catholic faith. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Michael in Port Austin, a 50+ year member of the Daughters of Isabella, and a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality.

This was a woman who took care in how she spent her life, often inspired by some polka music playing in the background. She had many pastimes in her retirement, including spending time with the Kinde Seniors; cards with friends, especially Ray, Dolores, and Bea; travel across the country and world with any willing partner; shopping; casino trips; and, bingo nights.

This was a woman who will be missed. She is survived by her children Theodore (Carol) of Filion, Theresa (Russ) Rumsey of Smiths Creek, Anthony of Akron, Timothy of Parisville, and Tamara (Thomas) Schulze of Pigeon; grandchildren Garrett (Sherry) Polk, Brenda, Amy Hess (Matthew Smith), Renee Hess, Dylan, Tonikay (Chris) Franke, Michael Schulze, Michelle Schulze, and step-grandchild Richard Rumsey; great grandchildren Bayleigh McCarthy, Graham, and step-great grandchildren Kaylee and Brianna Rumsey; as well as in-laws Beatrice Baranski, Thomas (Pat) Polk, Velma DeWitt, and Violet Vertin.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Adelaide Baranski; her husband of 52 years, Norbert; her brother, Andy Baranski; her brother and sister-in-law, Chester and Mary Jane Baranski; and daughter-in-law Barbara (Bresky).

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday. July 29, 2017, at The Annunciation of the Lord Parish, St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin.  Visitation will be held at the Knoblock Funeral Home in Kinde from 2-8:00 pm on Friday and then on Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral at 11:00..  A joint rosary will be led by The Holy Rosary Sodality of the Annunciation of the Lord Parish, St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella at 4:00 pm on Friday in the funeral home.  Burial will take place in the church cemetery.