Joanne Helen (Caruso) Krudop passed away peacefully at Parkview Hospital on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 20, 1940 in Fort Wayne, Indiana and was the daughter of the late John and Helen (DeRose) Caruso. She met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Krudop in the fall of 1958 and was married June 25, 1960. They were blessed with a beautiful loving marriage that lasted sixty-three years. Joanne is survived by son John (Jacqueline) Krudop, son Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Krudop of Fort Wayne and daughter Jennifer (Joseph) Ramos of Roanoke. Also surviving is her brother-in-law Paul Parnin and sister Marianne Connett both of Fort Wayne. Joanne was blessed with grandchildren: Matthew Krudop and Roger Setzer, Justin Ramos, Kaitlyn (Vincent) Frecker, Katrina Krudop, Ravyn (Nicholas) Williams, Alexandra Krudop, Jerod (Hayley) Krudop, Jordan Krudop and Nicholas Bucher, and Mackenzie (James) Lewis. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Jaxon Williams, Theodore Frecker, Cora Williams, Gertrude Frecker, Roman Williams, Josephine Lewis, Adler Krudop, Sophia Lewis, and Dorothy Frecker. She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly came daily to spend time with her and care for her. They looked forward to the stories she shared and cherished every minute spent with her. A first grade teacher for 43 1/2 years, she truly fulfilled her childhood dream of "having one hundred children". She leaves behind a legacy of children who loved and respected "Mrs. Krudop" for the wonderful teacher she was and the lasting influence she left on every life that she touched. Anyone who knew her also knew that she wore her heart on her sleeve... an "open book" with a servants heart who knew and loved each person for who they were and inspired others by the way she prayerfully lived her life. 

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband Robert on March 24, 2023, great-grandchildren Magdalena Rose Frecker, baby Lewis, parents John and Helen (DeRose) Caruso. Also preceding her are her brother Joseph Caruso (and sister-in-law Barbara) of Angola, sister Kathy Parnin of Fort Wayne and brother-in-law Jerry Connett of Fort Wayne, Joseph (Maryann) Caruso, her in-laws Robert and Theresa Krudop and brother-in-law Donald Krudop of Fort Wayne. 

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at Saint John the Baptist Church, 4500 Fairfield Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46807 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held 4:30-8pm Monday November 9, 2026 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46805 with a Rosary held at 4pm. Because of her great love for education and many years of teaching in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, preferred memorials are to Saint John the Baptist Catholic School or Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church.