Virginia Joan Fleser

Virginia Joan (Cheney) Fleser, 92, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026. She was born October 28, 1933 in Flint, MI to Nelson and Gwen (Blewett) Cheney. She graduated from Flint Central High School in 1951. A few years later on June 25, 1955 she married James W. Fleser, at First Presbyterian Church in Flint, MI. She was a devoted wife and mother. She loved caring for her house and family. She lived in Flint, Birmingham, and then moved to Grand Rapids, in 2004 to be near her daughter. Her greatest love, besides her family, was her dogs; she never lived without one.

Joan (as she was known by) was preceded in death by her husband James (Jim); parents Nelson and Gwen Cheney; in laws Donald and Margaret Fleser. She is survived by her daughter Jean (James) Arent; grandchildren Ryan (Megan) Arent, Erik (Brianna) Arent; Great Grandchildren Parker, Grace, Rowan and Hudson; Sister Sharon Timmins, Brother Nelson (Samantha) Cheney, Brother in law John Fleser.

Visitation with the family will be held at 2pm Sunday, March 8, 2026 at River Rock Church (in Rockford Christian School Building), 6060 Belding Rd NE, Rockford, MI with a Memorial Service at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: West Michigan Therapy Dogs (wmtd.org) or Alzheimer Association (donorservices.alz.org) To send a message of sympathy or memory please visit Grand Rapids Cremation Services.