Joan “Joanie” Rissmeyer, of Safe and Secure Assisted Living, in Crestview, Florida, entered into rest on Sunday, March 12th, 2017. She was 83. Daughter of the late Harold and Anne Marsh, she was born March 19, 1933 in Paterson, New Jersey. She married the love of her life, Ernest Rissmeyer on November 29th, 1952 who she met on a blind date a year earlier. Together, they raised five children. Joan was an avid poet in her early years. Like her hero Joan of Arc, who she wrote many poems about, she herself faced and conquered many battles in her life. Joan had brain surgery (In 1969) for seizures, allowing her to get a driver license at age 36. Years later, she began the battle of her life against Alzheimer’s, which she fought for 14 years. Her favorite hobbies included watching the NY Mets, bird watching, long walks, berry picking, wood working, playing scrabble and planting and caring for her beautiful flower beds. Over the years, many travelers would stop to take pictures of her flowers, including a magazine photographer. Her employment included working for various florists and retail stores.
On behalf of Joan, her family would like to thank the incredible staff at Safe and Secure, for their loving care during her final chapter of Alzheimer’s. Her family would also like to thank the staff at Westwood and Destin Healthcare for their role in her journey. Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Ernest Rissmeyer, children- Karen Sherrod, Ruth Sharp and husband Russell, Donna Skurnick and husband David, Maryann Makekau and husband Chuck, Ernie Rissmeyer and wife Dawn, siblings- Ronald Marsh and wife Peggy, Lorraine Wolverton, Lenny Marsh and wife Dot, sister-in-laws- Arlene Rissmeyer, Margaret Pilson and husband Bill and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-children. Memorial service and reception will be held at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 550 Adams Drive, Crestview, Florida on Saturday March 18th at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Joan’s name to Safe and Secure, at 3091 Skyline Drive, Crestview, Florida 32539. Expressions of love and sympathy can be viewed or submitted online at www.mclaughlinmortuary

---

 Service Information