Joan Reese

Joan Reese, age 69, peacefully passed into the presence of Jesus on July 11, 2025, after a courageous 25-year battle with cancer. Though her body endured pain for many years, her spirit remained strong, full of joy, love, and unwavering faith.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Joan graduated from Salsbury High School and East Stroudsburg University and became an adoption specialist, then years later returned to school to obtain her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy in order to continue her commitment of being a support to others. In 2020, she embraced a new adventure, relocating to South Dakota—a bold move that reflected her vibrant spirit and love for life's journey.

Joan’s life was filled with the simple joys that meant the most: playing piano, sewing, hiking wooded trails, riding her bike under open skies, and filling her kitchen with baked treats and eating shoofly pie. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, whether around the dinner table or at the family’s beloved cabin in the Poconos. Her stories, always told with laughter and love, brought those memories to life again and again.

She was an UNO champion in every sense of the word—strategic, competitive, and somehow always winning with a smile. Her grandkids adored her playful spirit, warm hugs, and the special way she made each of them feel uniquely treasured.

Joan’s faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life. Even through years of pain and uncertainty, she held fast to hope, always reminding others of God's goodness. Now, she is pain-free, whole, and rejoicing in the arms of her Savior.

She is survived by her loving husband Fred, her children Jessica Espland (Justin) and Parker Reese (Grace), seven grandchildren, brother Jeff Knauss (Mary Lou), nieces and nephew (Lindsey, Courtney and Bradley and their seven children), and countless friends who were blessed by her light. Preceded in death by her parents (Richard and Anna Mae Knauss).

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at Linwood Wesleyan Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joan’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Her legacy lives on in every laugh, every melody played, every stitch sewn with love, and every family game.