JoAnne Thompson Vatter

JoAnne Thompson Vatter of Cadillac, Michigan, died peacefully on June 18, 2017 with her husband Dick holding her hand, and her dear friends, Mike and Allie Cappelletti at her bed side. She had fought a brave battle for two years with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Richard Vatter; her daughters, Kay Donahue of Okemos, Michigan and Margaret Thompson (Jean Davis) Des Monies, Iowa; her grandchildren: Mathew, Claire, and Joseph Donahue of Okemos, Michigan; her brother, Terry (Kathy) Kasiborski of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan; her sister, Linda (Paul) Rinke of Sterling Heights, Michigan; as well as many nieces and nephews; her Stepson Vincent (Shannon) Vatter and step grandchild Madison of Gainesville, Florida. JoAnne was born in Wyandotte, Michigan on April, 21, 1942. To Chester and Mae Kasiborski and they preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her first husband William Thompson. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her Master's degree from Central Michigan University. She was a long time resident of Mount Pleasant, Michigan and in 2008 began spending the summers in Cadillac, Michigan and the winters in Bradenton, Florida. JoAnne was a High School English teacher in Shepherd, Michigan for over 20 years. She was a voracious reader, and typically read several books a week. She was an accomplished bridge player, who achieved Diamond Life Master status with over 5500 master points. She won several sectional and regional championships and twice placed in the top 10 in National events. She was a sometimes golfer and would be the first to admit that she would much rather play bridge. JoAnne earned \"Master Gardener\" certification. She took great pride in the landscapes of her homes. She was a member of the Cadillac garden club and shared her talents in maintaining several gardens around town. JoAnne was also a member of the Cadillac Country Club and shared her talents with the beautification committee. JoAnne loved animals, especially cats, dogs, and horses. When her daughters were children, the family spent many weekends trailering horses around the Midwest so that her girls could compete in riding events. She will be remembered as a loving wife, a great mother, a dotting Grandparent and a wonderful sister. Family and friends will meet at Hermann\'s European Cafe Cadillac, Michigan at 11:00 AM, July, 10, 2017. There will be one hour of sharing memories and stories followed by a lunch to celebrate JoAnne\'s life. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to her favorite charities, American Civil Liberties Union or American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at restaurant. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

JoAnne Thompson Vatter

April 21, 1942 - June 18, 2017