- Date Of Birth: October 3, 1924
- Date Of Death: February 1, 2014
- State: Michigan
Joanne L. Cohagen, lovingly called “Honey”, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 1, 2014. She was welcomed by her husband, Charlie, and her son, John. Joanne was born on October 3, 1924, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Julius and Lucile Kern. She and Charlie were united in marriage at Trilby Gospel Church in Toledo, on January 23, 1944.
She was the most loving, gracious “Mom” to Michael Jamie Cohagen, Kathy Bob Heinkel, Chris Tim Sipka, and John Cohagen deceased. She was “Grandma” to 7 grandchildren: Kathe Cohagen fiancé, Mike, David Shelly Heinkel, Kristen Heinkel, Lyndsay Heath Krueger, Phil Sipka, Steve Elyse Sipka, and Mark Sipka; and “Gigi” to 6 great-grandchildren Luke, Julia, Josh and Lauren Heinkel, Rett and Eisley Krueger. Joanne and Charlie have lived in Ohio, Illinois and Florida, but made Kalamazoo their home since 1967. She saw her primary role as a faithful partner in ministry with pastor/counselor Charlie. However, once her kids were in school full time, Joanne worked as a secretary/administrative assistant for Jim Wilson-accountant Fort Lauderdale, Kalamazoo Public Schools, Trinity Reformed Church Kalamazoo, First National Bank Kalamazoo, and lastly for Gordon Hueshen, patent attorney Kalamazoo from 1980-2000. Active at Trinity Reformed Church, she taught Sunday School and was instrumental in launching “Marketplace” Vacation Bible School and expanding their library.
She was also involved at the First Congregational Church, Mattawan, with similar Christian education ministries, where Charlie served as interim pastor for 11 years. She has served as President of Reformed Church Women of Southwestern Michigan and a teacher of the Bethel Bible Study. Joanne was a consummate homemaker and gardener. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and other board games. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren cherished her story reading. She spoiled us all with delicious meals around the table, especially her apple pies and banana bread. She had the gift of hospitality, always welcoming guests to our home. But most of all, we will remember the legacy of faith in Jesus Christ and service for Him she passed down to all of us. She was an encourager and prayer warrior with a loving, gentle, kind heart. “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:28.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Charlie, her son, John, her sister, Doris Paul Remele, and her brother, John.
She is survived by her sister, Jean Dan Neshkoff, her sister-in-law, Carole, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
