JoAnne Marie BLUMEL Obituary

Aug 14, 1953 - Mar 17, 2026

JoAnne, you are so loved, and you are so missed by your family and friends.

JoAnne has been a lifelong resident of Spokane. She graduated from Ferris High School in 1971.

JoAnne's parents owned a home at Priest Lake, and from the time she was born, JoAnne spent weekends, summers, and school vacations at the lake. JoAnne's father was a talented craftsman and builder, and built a boat he named the American. The American is still a popular boat on the lake. She learned boating from her father and had her own American jet boat. The family had many friends all over the lake. JoAnne and her family had year-round activities. As the years passed, JoAnne's love for Priest Lake never changed, and she and her husband, Joe, have a family home not far from the home her parents owned, where family and friends gather to enjoy the lake and lake activities.

JoAnne and Joe married in 1981. Together they raised their three children, Doug, Katie, and A.J.

JoAnne is an excellent mother. She was always involved in the children's school and sports activities. She coached soccer, she created a great home environment for the children and their friends, and she was always there for the children. Along with Joe, the children are her best friends. JoAnne and Joe are lucky to have their children in Spokane, and they talk to and see their children several days of each week.

JoAnne and Joe have had a special marriage and partnership, working together and being parents and grandparents. They have watched the children grow, marry, and have children. JoAnne has been part and parcel to Joe's career as a lawyer, helping out as she can. Joe and Joanne worked together with their children in their family business, and JoAnne has an office at Joe's law practice. Joe freely admits JoAnne has been significant to his success in his law practice and their family business.

Their son, Doug, and his wife, Michelle, have three children, Emma, Lauren, and Claire. Their daughter, Katie, and her husband, Nick, have two children, Mason and Brooklyn. Their son, A.J., and his wife, Emma, have a son, lan, and are hoping for more children. The grandchildren call JoAnne "Gigi" and she has a special relationship with each grandchild. Like all of us, the grandchildren already miss Gigi.

JoAnne is also survived by her sister, Sharon; and her brother, Mike. She has a special relationship with Joe's sister, Diane; and Debbie and Diane's son, Ryan; and Ryan's daughter, Esther. JoAnne also had a special relationship with her niece, Tara; Tara's children, Cole and Charlotte; and their father, Jeff. She has so many close friends.

Again, JoAnne, you are so loved and will be so missed.

Services for JoAnne will be held Friday, March 27, at 4:00PM, at Riplinger Funeral Home. There will be a graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery on March 28 at 1:00PM.