Adams 1974 Joan Marie (Doetsch) Kohlruss

Dec. 28, 1955 - Jan. 14, 2017

Joan M. Doetsch-Kohlruss – Darby, Montana, Joan passed away January 14, 2017.  Joan’s husband, Fred Kohlruss was her primary caretaker and biggest supporter during her fight with cancer.  Joan is survived by her husband Fred, and four daughters, Haley, Karlyn, Melissa and Olivia.  In addition to raising her daughters, Joan was a long-time bus driver for Darby Schools, a ski instructor at the Lost Trail Ski Resort and cleaned houses for several people who considered her part of the family.

Condolences

DARBY, MT - Joan Marie (Doetsch) Kohlruss of Darby MT. 61 passed away peacefully, with her husband, Fred, by her side, on Saturday Jan 14, 2017 at Marcus Daly Hospice Center in Hamilton Montana. Joan was born December 28, 1955 in South Bend to Donald and Barbara Doetsch; she was the third of six children. In 1974, Joan graduated from South Bend's John Adams high school, where she was a decorated and competitive long distance swimmer. At the age of 19, Joan moved to San Diego, California. She moved to Montana in 1988 with her late ex-husband William DeWalt. On February 22, 2009, she married her loyal husband, Fred Kohlruss, who was her primary caretaker and biggest supporter during her battle with cancer. A caring wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, Joan will be greatly missed by many and will not soon be forgotten. In addition to raising three daughters, she was a long-time bus driver for Darby Schools, a ski instructor at Lost Trail Ski Area, and cleaned houses for several people that considered her a part of their family. Joan was incredibly hardworking and made the best zucchini bread, and could summon her family from miles away with an unmistakable whistle. Joan is preceded in death by her father, Donald Doetsch; Brother Bill Doetsch; and Sister Anne Doetsch. She is survived by her loving husband, Fred Kohlruss; mother Barbara Doetsch; daughters, Haley(Patrick) Schultz, KarLyn DeWalt, and Melissa (Colby) Davies; step-daughter Olivia(Aaron) Pearsall; and siblings Gary (Debbie) Doetsch, Julie Doetsch (Stacy Hester), and Jane (Paul) Pasin. A Memorial service will be held at Darby Community Clubhouse on Saturday February 25, at 4:00 p.m. under the ordination of Pastor Ron Fannin. A private interment service will be held in the spring. Should friends desire, donations in Joan's honor may be mailed to: The Bitterroot Aquatic Center, 59 Kurtz Lane, Hamilton, MT 59840

Published in South Bend Tribune on Feb. 17, 2017