Joan A. Bich, age 89, of Cavour, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024 at Huron Regional Medical Center in Huron surrounded by her family.

Her funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron with burial at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Huron.

Visitation, with the family present, will be from 5-7 p.m., on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Welter Funeral Home; or one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. A prayer service and time of sharing will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening at the funeral home.

The funeral service will be live-streamed thru the Mt. Calvary Church website, https://www.mtcalvaryhuron.org/livestream .

View Joan's Memorial Folder

Joan Ann (Stahl) Bich was born on November 27, 1934, to John and Anna (Glanzer) Stahl. She grew up on the family farm near Yale and graduated from Yale High School in 1952. While in high school, Joan met the love of her life, Ralph Bich. They were inseparable for the next 70 years.

Joan and Ralph married on September 26, 1952, in Yale. To this union, seven children were born.   After Ralph's military service, they made their home in Huron. In 1960, they moved to Cavour.

Outside of raising her children, she worked as a cook at the Cavour school. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Yale, where she loved to help with vacation bible school. She later became a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron. Joan and Ralph loved the South Dakota State Fair. They would pack a picnic lunch and take the family in tow to go through all the buildings and exhibits. Years later, Joan and Ralph were part of the maintenance crew setting up grandstand entertainment.

Where she found joy in her life was caring for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed watching sporting events of her family and supporting the New York Yankees with Ralph. She liked to sew, embroider, grow flower and vegetable gardens and cook. In her later years, she enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels at her home.

She is survived by her children, Marlett (Robert) Snoozy of Mitchell, Mike (Lisa) Bich of Huron, Marcia (Gene) Miller of Huron, Myra (Steve) Kennedy of Mitchell, Doug (Janice) Bich of Cavour, Keith (Diane) Bich of Dallas, TX, and Debbie (Joe) Snyder of Huron; 18 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren; brother Tim (Click) Stahl; Ralph's siblings, Lyman Bich of Cavour, Lorene Hornig of Rapid City, Dorothy Niesl of Sacramento, CA, and Howard (Arlene) Bich of Sioux Falls; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2022; her parents, John and Anna Stahl; her sisters, Vilene and Darlene and brother Tony.

Grandchildren: Nicole (Kyle) Gerber, Jonathan (Ashleigh) Snoozy, Lacey Bich, Rachelle (Brian) Pietz, Cassandra Aguayo, Matthew (Laura) Miller, Miranda (Casey) TerWee, Jeremy (Amy) Kennedy, Jayme (Denver) Rader, Jessyca Conaway, Jordan Kennedy, Andrea (Adam) Brueggeman, Alex (Gina) Bich, Cody (Macey) Bich, Brandon (Gina) Bich, Kerstin (Josh) Hinojoza, Joshua Snyder, Mikayla Snyder.

Great-Grandchildren: Jeremiah, Jace, Colby & Lane Gerber, Oliver & Taylor Snoozy; Angel & Allen Schild, Alexis & Haley Brandt, Jasmin Pietz, Alazaia Wells, Izabella Big Eagle, Beckett, Kyra & Kenley Miller, Asher TerWee, Emilie (Nathan) Byrd, Ashton, Derrek, & Kaylyn Kennedy, Morgan & Shaylee Kollman, Jackson & Dexter Gill, Peyton & Kreedence Rader, Mia & Liam Conaway, Paxton Kennedy, Wesyn, Kymber & Gatlun Brueggeman, Elliot & Barron Bich, Ellianna Blocker, Korra Cruz, Jake Bich, & Xander Hinojoza.

Great-Great: Braylie, Westan & Lynnlie Byrd, Tenley Mastrud.