Joan Elizabeth (Kraus) Konzel Obituary (1932 - 2024)

Joan Elizabeth Kraus Konzel, age 91, fondly known as "Gramma-in-the-woods", passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024, in the same manner in which she lived, peacefully and without a fuss. She was born in Erie, PA on October 2, 1932, daughter of the late Norbert L. and Gertrude M. Jacquel Kraus. Joan graduated from St. Benedict Academy in 1950 and the St. Vincent School of Nursing in 1953 and then promptly married her grade-school sweetheart, Nicholas Konzel. As a registered nurse, she worked the night shift one day a week at St. Vincent while raising a family, which grew to nine children, and then went on to work at the Gertrude Barber Institute as evening supervisor, retiring at age 70. She volunteered for many years at the Caring Place finishing quilts for grieving children and families. Her kind and peaceful demeanor were the cornerstones of her life. Within her quiet countenance was a strong, witty, and creative individual who respected others for their opinions, and deferred all judgments to the Lord. In her youth, Joan was an artist and as time went on, she mastered the art of simple living, keeping her hands busy with sewing, gardening, volunteering, beading, quilting, caring for and comforting the sick, creating family dinners, all the while keeping an open door for anyone who happened to stop by. She was also a Tai Chi Master and an expert at crossword puzzles and word games. Joan loved books and was a voracious reader, especially enjoying poetry and historical fiction, and at the end of the day, she always tucked into a good book. Joan will be sadly missed by her nine children, Douglas Konzel (Cheryl), Mary Sorger (Arthur), Patricia Merski (Ronald), Barbara Henry (Martin), Nicholas Konzel Jr. (Crystal), Nancy Konzel, Thomas Konzel (Tracy), Theresa Konzel, and James Konzel (Julie); her twin sister, Jacqueline Kraus Staab of Erie; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren plus, a multitude of nieces and nephews. In addition to her beloved husband, Nicholas Konzel, Sr. and her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ann Wickham; and her brother, Norbert Kraus. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 5151 Buffalo Road (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek Twp.) on Sunday from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm with a Rosary Prayer Service being held at 7:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. James R.C. Church on Monday at 11 am with interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Barber National Institute, 100 Barber Place, Erie 16507, or St. James R.C. Church, 2635 Buffalo Road, Erie 16510.