Joann K. (Merchen) Kuper

Joann K. Kuper (nee Merchen), age 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 18, 2022.

Joann was born in Kadoka, SD on March 9, 1942, the daughter of the late Fred and Leona (nee Karlin) Merchen.

Joann was a lifelong educator, most recently taking on many roles at Quest Academy in Palatine, IL. She was a member of and volunteer at Lutheran Church of Atonement. She and her husband Alvin split much of their retirement time traveling the world and doting on their grandchildren daily.

Joann is survived by her loving children, Anne (Paul) Reader of Barrington, IL and Jill Kuper of San Francisco, CA; cherished grandchildren, Adelaide and Lilian Reader; and siblings, Alice June Gilsdorf, Fern Nohr, Connie Rentschler, and Neal Merchen.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Alvin Kuper, brother Marvin Merchen and sisters Joyce Frevert and Rose Marie Kolar.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Donations in Joann’s memory may be made to Quest Academy in Palatine, IL.

For more information, please call the funeral home at 847-381-3411.