Big Bay, MI- JoAnn Sliger, age 67 Big Bay resident passed away Friday December 5, 2014 at the Mather Nursing Center while in the loving care of her family and UP Home Health & Hospice.

JoAnn was born August 5, 1947 in Ontonagon to Melvin B. & Viola E. (Knivela) Johnson. She graduated from Trout Creek High School, class of 1966 and received an Associate Degree from Gogebic Community College. JoAnn worked as a receptionist for the Western Folk Life Center in Elko, NV.

JoAnn enjoyed reading, traveling: living the camping life out of a 5th wheel camper for 5 years. JoAnn was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Covington & the American Legion Auxiliary of Trout Creek

JoAnn is survived by her husband John Sliger, whom she married on July 2, 1966, 3 children: John (Ellen) Sliger of Tallahassee, FL, David (Rachel) Sliger of Big Bay, MI & Julie (Dan) Spinek of Richmond, MI, 4 grandchildren: Miranda & Melissa Sliger and Madison & Nicolas Spinek, and a brother Lyle (Renee) Johnson of Kenosha, WI. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Jon Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm E.S.T. on Tuesday December 9, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church in Trout Creek with Rev. Jeffrey Helsius officiating. JoAnn's family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Tuesday from 12:00noon E.S.T. until the time of service at 1:00pm.

A luncheon will be held at the American Legion in Trout Creek following the service.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .