Joan Marie Navarra

Joan Marie (Tekulve) Navarra, age 92, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 6:20 AM at Aspen Place Health Campus in Greensburg, Indiana.

She was born October 27, 1933, in Batesville, Indiana, the daughter of Frank “Shorty” and Anna (Schott) Tekulve. Joan was united in marriage to Robert J. (Bob) Navarra on July 7, 1956, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville and became a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church once married. Bob and Joan spent 66 years together as loving husband and wife.

After graduating from the Oldenburg Academy in 1951, Joan began her career as administrative support first at Romweber Furniture. After dedicating her time to raising her children, she rejoined the workforce at Greensburg Community High School and then Doerflinger Insurance, followed by the Decatur County Clerk’s Office, making dear friends along the way.

While raising her family, Joan enjoyed baking, cross-stitching, painting ceramics and sewing in her spare time. Alongside Bob, they traveled the U.S. and focused their lives on faith, family and volunteerism. In recent years, Joan found enjoyment in a good game of Euchre or Bridge with her sister and friends at Aspen, and listening to the stories and adventures of her children and their families.

Joan is survived by her children Michele (Philip) Gordon of Rushville, IN, Tony (Katherine) Navarra of Conroe, TX, Daniel (Madeline) Navarra of Kissimmee, FL, Sandra (Mark) Wolter of Greensburg, IN, and Angela (Scott) Brigger of Lakewood Ranch, FL. She has nine grandchildren: Tracy (Jason) Eder, Mark (Kayleigh) Gordon, Alicia (Melvin) Payne, Noelle Navarra, Dana Navarra, Lillie (Brian) Frondorf, Emma (Jacob) Smiley, Payton Russell, Amber Navarra and 10 great-grandchildren: Lucy, Lucas and Liam Eder, Logan and Landon Gordon, Myles and Amaya Payne, Lilah and Nolan Frondorf, and Wren Smiley. She is also survived by her sisters, Pat Schutte and Sheila Doerflinger. She was preceded in death by Bob, her parents, her brothers Clete and Jim Tekulve, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Services will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with a Rosary service beginning at 8:30 AM followed by visitation until 11:00 AM. A Funeral Mass celebrating Joan’s life will begin at 11:00 AM with Father John A. Meyer officiating. Her burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Greensburg. The family requests that memorials be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Mary’s Catholic School. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.popfuneralhome.com.