Joan G. Baumgartner's Obituary
Joan G. Baumgartner, 88, of Lorain, Ohio, passed away peacefully after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Amherst Manor. Born on August 31, 1936, in Lorain, she was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Eunice (nee Schiller) Gethin.
Joan graduated from Lorain High School in 1958 and pursued her passion for education at Kent State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She dedicated her career to shaping young minds as a much beloved elementary school teacher for Lorain City Schools from 1962 until her retirement in 1998.
Joan was a faithful and devoted member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lorain. She also found fulfillment in volunteer work, serving as a Red Coat Volunteer at the Cleveland Playhouse, Church Bell Choir and as a driver for Meals on Wheels, offering her kindness and support to those in need.
Joan had a love for travel, and found joy in flower gardening, scrapbooking, crafting and engaging with friends in her bridge and book clubs. Above all, she cherished the time spent with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren and her loyal dogs.
She is survived by her three sons, Paul Baumgartner of Vermilion, Mark (Carrie) Baumgartner of Lexington, South Carolina, and John Baumgartner of Lorain; her daughter-in-law, Stacy Baumgartner; and her treasured grandchildren, Devin Baumgartner, Brent Baumgartner, Vanessa Stacey, and five beloved grandchildren in South Carolina.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Eunice Gethin; her granddaughter, Ella Joan Baumgartner; her sister, Sheila (nee Gethin) Weber; brother-in-law, Edward P. Weber; and her former spouse, Paul Baumgartner Sr., in 2010.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joan’s life on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at First Lutheran Church, 1019 W. 5th Street, Lorain, Ohio. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service and luncheon at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Shari Ayers. A family graveside service will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Joan’s memory to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Lorain County Free Clinic.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center.
Online condolences may be shared at www.dovinreberjones.com. Joan’s love, kindness, and dedication to family and community will forever be remembered and cherished.
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