Joan Lois Kaswinkel's Obituary
Joan Pytell Kaswinkel, a radiant soul known for her constant kindness, warm smile, and boundless love for family, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, following complications from surgery. She was 90 years old.
Born on October 2, 1935, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Joan was the cherished only child of Erna and Michael Pytell, both of whom predeceased her.
On May 11, 1957, Joan married the love of her life, Daniel (Dan) Kaswinkel, beginning a devoted 67-year marriage filled with shared adventures, unwavering support, and deep affection. Dan preceded her in death on March 2, 2025, just 10 months earlier. Together, Joan and Dan built a life that took them across several states after leaving Pennsylvania: Schenectady, New York; Hendersonville, Tennessee; Chesterfield, Missouri; and Lexington, Tennessee. They eventually retired to Cordova, Tennessee, to be close to their daughter and her family, where Joan continued to create a welcoming home full of love and laughter.
Joan’s gentle spirit and perpetual smile touched everyone she met. Her greatest joy came from her family—she was always ready with a hug, a listening ear, or a homemade treat. Just six months ago, at 90 years young, she could be found on the floor building Legos with her great-grandchildren, delighting in their play. Her granddaughters Natalie and Katherine considered her not just Grandma, but their very best friend. They cherished stopping by after school, going shopping together, and especially baking holiday cookies side by side—traditions that will forever warm their hearts.
Joan is survived by:
Her loving daughter, Donna Nelson (husband Dave) of Collierville, TN;
Her son, Dr. Daryl Kaswinkel (wife Diana) of New Albany, OH;
Her grandchildren: Natalie Damore (husband Christopher) of Oxford, MS; Katherine Pina (husband Joel) of Collierville, TN; and Spencer Kaswinkel and Isabella Kaswinkel, both of New Albany, OH;
Her great-grandchildren: Daniel Damore, John Luke Pina, and Grace Anne Pina; and many extended family members and dear friends who were blessed by her presence.
In addition to her parents and husband Dan, Joan was preceded in death by others close to her heart.
The family will hold a private funeral for Joan later this month, with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, TN. Arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery (5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119; 901-767-8930).
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital (a leading pediatric hospital in Memphis providing exceptional care to children; donations can be made online at https://lebonheur.org or mailed to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 41817, Memphis, TN 38174-1817) or to your favorite charity.
Joan's legacy of kindness, grace, and unbreakable family bonds will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her smile and loving spirit will forever brighten our memories.
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