Joan Elizabeth Mauser, 78, of Elkhart, died on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI.

She was born on December 27, 1946, in Elkhart to the late George and Helen (Iavagnilio) Mauser.

Joan graduated from St. Joseph's High School in South Bend in 1964.  She then became a licensed practical nurse after graduating from the South Bend School of Practical Nursing in 1965.  She then went on to attend Indiana University South Bend before graduating from Indiana Vocational Technical College with an associate degree in nursing in 1988. Joan was employed by Elkhart General Hospital for 37 years before retiring due to a disability.

She is survived by a brother, David (Linda) Mauser and a niece, Sarah Mauser, all of Elkhart.

Joan was a horse lover who owned, bred and showed Appaloosa horses for 36 years.  She was a member of the National Appaloosa Horse Club and St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church.  She was also an avid Notre Dame fan.

Visitation for Joan will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church.  The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 am with Father Sam Anderson officiating.  Joan will be laid to rest with her parents at St. Vincent Cemetery in Elkhart.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions in memory of Joan may be made to: St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church 1108 S. Main St. Elkhart, IN 46516, LoveWay, Inc. 54151 C.R. 33 Middlebury, IN 46540 or the Humane Society of Elkhart County 54687 C. R. 19 Bristol, IN 46507.

Elkhart County Humane Society
54687 CR 19, Bristol IN 46507
Web: http://elkhartcountyhumanesociety.org

St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church
1108 S. Main Street, Elkhart IN 46516

Loveway, Inc.
54151 C.R. 33, Middlebury IN 46540