Joan M. Kalbach

Joan Miriam (Hinkel) Kalbach, of Spring Township, passed away at home on July 7, 2026, just 3 days from her 93rd birthday.

Born in 1933, Joan grew up in Reading, PA, as the sixth of 8 children to the late Gordon R. and Miriam E. (Lorah) Hinkel. She graduated from Reading High School and then worked at the Berkshire Knitting Mills.

In 1954, she married the love of her life, C. Ray Kalbach, with whom she enjoyed 54 years of marriage before his death in 2008. She lived her life with joy and a tireless sense of faith despite many hardships she endured in her early years. She brought joy to everyone around her, almost daily laughing to the point of tears, often over the silliest things. She excelled at everything she tried, especially as a mother and homemaker. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her tremendous pride and delight.

She was a devoted and guiding presence during every phase of her family’s life. She was a tremendous support to all who loved her, doing so with humor and her unwavering faith in God. She was warm and generous to those she loved and gave freely even during her own times of scarcity. She was an avid reader and creator of beautiful cross stitch pieces, a gifted baker and knitter, loved her crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and cryptograms.

She is predeceased by her husband, C. Ray Kalbach, her parents and 7 siblings, her premature twin daughters and her son-in-law, Ken Hoshauer.

She is survived by her children, Vicky, wife of Michael Garl, Cathy Hoshauer MD, widow of Ken Hoshauer, Samuel Kalbach, husband of Wanda, and Kurt Kalbach, husband of Wendi, 7 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was continually surrounded by the love of her family and by her caring neighbors, Kevin and Kim Wallace, Zedra Angstadt, Mary Fisher and Annika Hursh and Annika’s family.

Following her cremation at the Bean Funeral Home and Crematory, Joan’s ashes will join those of her loving husband, Ray, at a private family gathering in August.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made in her name to her wonderful hospice care provided by Tower Health at Home. 

Bean Funeral Home- Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.