Joann H Straubinger

Heaven gained a special angel as JoAnn Ruth Herman Straubinger peacefully left her earthly bonds on October 11 at the age of 95. She passed away surrounded by her children, at the home of her daughter, Lynn. JoAnn brightened the world for everyone around her with her motherly love, quick wit, and sense of justice for all. She was always happiest with a child on her lap and something on the stove. She was born on April 10th, 1928, the youngest of 6 children, on the small family farm in Mercer County, Ohio. Her father taught school in a one room schoolhouse and farmed the land, until he was elected County Auditor, and they moved into the town of Celina, Ohio where he eventually went into banking and became mayor of the town. The family moved into the rambling house across from the Catholic church and parsonage and her mother managed their rambunctious brood where their house was always open to whomever stopped by. Mother always liked to tell the story of a time when her mother was feeding a hobo on the back steps while the Governor of Ohio was being entertained in the parlor.

She found the love of her life and married Donald Straubinger in June of 1948. They loved one another faithfully and beautifully and their family grew to five children. They were never afraid to pile 5 kids into a station wagon and pop-up camper and travel the country, to way out west, or New England and Canada, or Key West, or just to a nearby state park for a weekend. When the opportunity came for Don to move his job with the Federal Government to almost any state, they ultimately decided, “We’re moving to Florida”! Here in Tallahassee, JoAnn followed the family tradition of building a home where the door was always open and a spot at the kitchen table was always available. When the youngest of her kids started school, she followed them to Kate Sullivan Elementary School where she volunteered so often that they eventually hired her to be an aide. She loved working with the children and teachers. She later became the bookkeeper at Sears, following in her daddy’s footsteps of working with accounts and money, where she would balance tens of thousands of dollars to the penny every day! After her retirement, she returned to volunteering in the schools and in 2003, she was honored as Senior Volunteer of the Year for Leon County Schools. She continued to volunteer into her 80’s.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. Straubinger, her parents Henry Herman and Elizabeth Wildenhaus Herman; her brothers Eugene (Eileen) Herman; Paul (Helen) Herman; sisters, Marge (Theo) Temple, Eileen (Marcellus) Wooles, and Lucille (Edwin) Rackham. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Eric Straubinger, St. John, USVI; Brent (Kim) Straubinger; Mark Straubinger; and daughters Lynn (Bruce) Janasiewicz; and Jane Olson, all of Tallahassee. Her treasured grandchildren, Trent (Jessica) Janasiewicz of Tallahassee; Megan Janasiewicz of Nottingham, England; Leslie (Nick) Ona of Tampa; Erin (Trent) Tyre of Atlanta, Georgia; Adam (Caitlin) Straubinger of Boise, Idaho; Anna (Tyler) Winter of Bury St. Edmund, England; and Kelley Olson of Tallahassee, Bradford Olson of Indonesia, and Jeffrey Olson of Tampa; along with 6 great grandchildren Harper, Ryland, Kennedy, Lennox, Kade and Noa who were the lucky beneficiaries of all things Grammy and GiGi.

A celebration of life will be held at Good Shepherd Church, on Thursday, November 2 at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Bend Hospice or Leon County Schools Foundation.

A handwritten letter to her family, some twenty-five years ago. Opened after her passing, according to her wish.

September 1998

To my family,

I’ve had my first brush with a real medical problem and feel certain that with good medical expertise and good care, I’ll be around for a long time. However, since none of us know when our time on earth is over, I want to leave you with a few thoughts.

If I should die before your Dad (my biggest concern, and that is why I’ve got to beat this malignancy), take good care of him. He is the most important person in my life and needs tender loving care. Finding each other is the best thing that ever happened to both of us. I hope our married life has provided you with an example of what true love and commitment can be.

Love each other and maintain close family ties. Support each other in times of need and keep in touch. Next to my most prized possession, your dad, you are our most prized possessions. I am so proud of all of you and love you so much!

To my grandchildren, and they truly are GRAND, get a good education and strive to reach your full potential. Money is important but not nearly as essential as happiness. Be kind and considerate of others, especially those who are less fortunate and need encouragement the most. By giving to others, your blessings will be multiplied many times over.

I have decided to be cremated. After death your body disintegrates one way or another. I came into this world under humble conditions and want to go out the same way. Rather than spend money on a casket made of beautiful wood, use that money for something you can treasure and enjoy every day. After death, the body isn’t important. Only the soul will matter, so say a prayer for me.

When I am gone, mourn a little but focus on celebrating my life. When you’re sad, remember the good and happy times we had together. We have been blessed with so much – never went hungry, always had a roof over our heads, had enough money to maintain a good lifestyle but most importantly we had love and were always there for each other.

Keep God in your life. You are never alone – He is always with you. My faith has helped me so much and when I experienced my darkest moments, God was always there to see me through. All you have to do is ask. He may not grant every wish but talking to Him helps to see more clearly. The more contact you make, the closer you become.

I also know that you will be fine without me. Just remember, my life was truly blessed, and I am grateful to all of you for making it such a wonderful experience! I love you all so much and I’ll always be with you in spirit.

Love,

Your Mom and Grammy

Now dad and I are together again!

PS And yes, I really do love and appreciate all the in-laws. Thanks for sharing your lives with us! I know I should have mentioned you first but if you think I’m writing this over, forget it!