Joan Steimel

MADISON / BALTIMORE, Ohio - Joan E. Steimel, age 79, passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Tuscany Gardens in Pataskala, Ohio. She was born June 2, 1942, in Madison, Wis., to Wilbert Steimel and Ardelle (Reierson) Steimel. She was one of five children, and all five of the Steimel children were together for one last time on Saturday. Joan graduated from Monona Grove High School and was a long-time resident of Columbus, Ohio and Baltimore, Ohio. Joan always had a love of animals, particularly horses and dogs. She bought her first horse when she was 18, and that was the start of a way of life for her. For many years she ran various boarding stables in the Madison and Middleton areas, showing horses in Western, English, and jumping classes. When Joan's job at USAFI closed, she transferred to another Department of Defense agency in Columbus, Ohio. She started out in horses again, but somewhere she "went to the dogs!" She loved the Belgian Sheepdogs and was in the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America for years. She enjoyed showing her dogs in confirmation, obedience, and agility, winning ribbons and trophies. She also bred the breed several times, as well as rescue. Joan was a member, instructor, and director of training at the Columbus All-Breed Training Club. Having no children of her own, Joan could often be seen in the company of her niece, Dawn Phelan. Their joint love of nature came easily for Joan, especially wildlife and National Parks, spending many wonderful vacations in Yellowstone, Yosemite, Sequoia, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Joan is survived by her sister, Pat (Jim) Wilson, Fayetteville, Ark., brother, Rick (Pat) Steimel of Dane, Wis., sister, Barb Snyder of Madison, Wis., and sister, Mary (Gary) Ace, of McFarland, Wis.; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and also her very dear friend, Julie (Ross) Hite of Ohio, who co-owned many of the show dogs. Joan was preceded in death by her father and mother; and brothers-in-law, Bob Snyder and Chuck Elsner. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021. Memorials may be made to the Belgian Sheepdog Rescue Trust at BSCArescue.com or to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608 221-5420