Joan D. (Ditzler) Kuhn

Joan D. Kuhn of Elizabethtown (PA) passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, surrounded by her family at the Masonic Village. Born October 14, 1951, in Hanover (PA), she is the daughter of the late Harold & Martha (Smith) Ditzler. Joan brought kindness and joy to every individual fortunate enough to be included in her life.

Joan’s life has been defined by her unending love and care for those who call her family and friend. Both best friend and constant companion, Joan is the wife of Michael L. Kuhn. As teenagers in high school, Joan met Michael through her sister Mary, and he quickly became a constant presence at Delone Catholic High School where she went to school. Through the years that followed, Joan and Michael built a life together, complete with children, grandchildren, beloved pets, world travel and countless moments of love. In May of 2021, Joan and Michael celebrated a milestone 50 years of marriage.

As an eternally nurturing mother to Michael A. Kuhn MD, Neal A. Kuhn and Ryan D. Kuhn, Joan’s pride in her three sons was unmistakable. Through every age, every achievement, and every meaningful moment, she was guiding and supporting her children. And, her loving embrace extended equally to her sons’ wives, Nicole, Liza and Jen, who were more daughters than daughters-in-law. Grammy to Grant, Sydney, Garrett, Logan, Megan and Sean, Joan has been a source of love and joy and enjoyed many adventures with her beloved grandchildren.

She is the youngest of nine children, Margie Zumbo, Ben Ditzler, Maddie Small, Anita Klunk, (the late) Angie Lehman, Marie Saghy, Milly Thomassy and Mary Clabaugh. She and her siblings enjoyed adventures, vacations and holidays together, gathering regularly to reconnect and celebrate family.

Joan formed enduring friendships. High school classmates became lifelong friends. Neighbors moved, but friendships remained. In Masonic Village, caregivers and residents quickly became caring companions. And through her work as a realtor for Coldwell Banker and as the Administrative Secretary to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Elizabethtown College, she not only formed deep friendships with colleagues, she also had the opportunity to enrich the lives of the countless people with whom she connected.

Joan was a member of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. Her faith was a gift, guiding her throughout her life. She loved people and animals, travel and the beach, baking with her family and celebrating holidays, especially Christmas. She will be missed, but always present.

A private memorial for family members will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022, at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, 119 Aspen Alley, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Joan’s memory to Masonic Village Hospice (masonicvillagehospice.org/donate).  Memories and condolences may be shared at finkenbinderfamily.com/funeral-home-elizabethtown-pennsylvania. The family would like to thank the Masonic Village nursing staff for the excellent care Joan has received.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan D. (Ditzler) Kuhn, please visit our floral store.