Joan E. Girmscheid

Joan Elizabeth (Hill) Girmscheid, 84, of Fishers, Indiana, formerly of Batavia, Illinois passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at home with her husband. Joan was born in Amboy, IL the daughter of Raymond and Gladys (Woodrow) Hill.

Joan was raised in Franklin Grove, IL, and was a graduate of Lee Center High School and Rockford College of Nursing. She worked as a nurse in Chicago and suburbs before retiring as a geriatric psychiatric unit nurse, a role that reflected her deep compassion, patience, and quiet strength.

During her early nursing years, her close friend Gerri (Girmscheid) Draus introduced Joan to her brother, Lew, whom she married in 1964. They made their home in Chicago and Chicago Heights, where they began raising their family. In 1974, they moved their young family to Batavia to pursue Lew’s dream of owning a restaurant. While still working as a nurse, Joan worked side by side with him at Lew’s Drive - In until they retired from the business in 2001. After several years of retirement, Lew and Joan moved to Fishers, Indiana.

Joan was known for her gentle, quiet, and deeply loving nature. She did not seek attention but instead showed her love through steady presence, kindness, and thoughtful care for others. Family was always at the center of her life. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother. She delighted in simple joys with family, like sharing ice cream treats and playing with Play-Doh with grandkids and hosting cherished Christmas Eve gatherings, helping to create memories that will be treasured forever.

Music was another great love in Joan’s life. She found joy and connection through singing and was a proud member of Sweet Adelines. Singing brought her peace and happiness, and it was one of the many quiet ways she expressed her beautiful spirit.

Joan is survived by her husband of 62 years Lew Girmscheid; three children, Lisa (John) Marshall, Kathy (Ray) Bennett, Lew (Amy) Girmscheid; eight grandchildren, Tyler and Trevor Marshall, Mitchell (Kaitlin) and MacKenzie Bennett, Jake, Elly, Max and Sam Girmscheid; and a sister Mary Lou Glotfelty.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Raymond and Gladys Hill, Siblings Raymond Hill, Beverly (Bernard) Bodmer, and Peggy Hill.