Joan L. Krause, 86, of Nanticoke passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023 at her home following an illness.

Born May 17, 1936, she was a daughter of the late John and Stella Zielandzinski Krause. A graduate of St. Ann's Academy, she continued her education graduating Magna Cum Laude from College Misericordia, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1958. She also earned a Master of Science degree in Administration from the University of Scranton, as well as Master of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from Marywood University. In 1959, while pursuing her degree from University of Scranton, she joined the Misericordia faculty as an assistant professor of home economics, beginning a career that would span forty-one years. A registered dietitian, she was instrumental in developing a nutrition major at the college in 1977. After the phase out of the nutrition major in 1985, Joan began teaching in the Education Department, eventually being named Director of Practicum Experiences.

In celebration of her career and retirement in 1999, Joan and her friends established the Joan L. Krause Emergency Endowment Fund to assist students who, for emergency reasons, find they need additional funds. Joan was presented Misericordia's highest honor, the Catherine McAuley Medal, in 2000; the Hilda Staub Garey Award in 2004; and was a member of the Heart of Mercy Society. She was awarded professor emeritus status in 2013, and in her honor, the Department of Education presents the Joan L. Krause Annual Student Academic Award annually to a student for outstanding achievement and excellence in Pre-Service teaching. For her lifetime commitment to Misericordia, the Board of Trustees presented Joan with the 2022 Mercy Mission Medal.

Joan was a member of St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, Nanticoke and formerly St. Francis Church; and was a member of the American Dietetic Association. She enjoyed traveling and visited many countries around the world.

She is survived by sisters; Arlene Lacey of Sarasota, FL; and Paula Raspen, and husband, Robert of Palm Bay, FL; nieces and nephews, Dawn Marie Wilkenson and husband, Bob; Jeffrey Lacey, Stephen Small, and Renee Bress and husband, Steve; and John Raspen; four great nieces and nephews; as well as many close friends.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Moretti; and brothers-in-law, Paul Moretti and Donald Lacey.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Saturday, May 6th at St. Faustina Kowalska Parish, 520 S. Hanover Street, Nanticoke. Viewing and visitation will be in the chapel at St. Faustina Parish on Saturday morning from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass.

Entombment will follow in the Mary Mother of God Mausoleum at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Joan's memory to the Joan L. Krause Emergency Endowment Fund at Misericordia University.