Joanne M. Sayen

Joanne M. Sayen, 86, of Genoa, Ohio, died Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at the Genoa Retirement Village with her family by her side. She was born in rural Ottawa County on February 8, 1934 to Emery and Margaret (Minier) Rahrs. She was valedictorian of her 1952 Oak Harbor High School class and continued her education at Baldwin Wallace and Bowling Green State University, earning her a Master’s degree in Education. Joanne married Donald A. Sayen in the RLDS Church in Oak Harbor on February 19, 1955 and he preceded her in death on June 2, 2000.

Joanne was a kindergarten and second-grade teacher for the Genoa Area Local Schools retiring in 1995 after a rewarding career.  She was always family-oriented and loved attending her grandchildren’s activities such as band, choir, musicals, sports, and church events.  She was a member of the former Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had recently been attending the Genoa Christian Church.  She shared her joy of music through singing and playing the piano/organ at both school and church events.  In her retirement, Joanne spent many hours volunteering at St. Charles Hospital and loved to make artificial floral arrangements that were offered through the hospital gift shop.  Joanne along with her husband were longtime members of the Christ Dunberger Post of American Legion where she was active with the auxiliary, serving in several offices.

Joanne is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Jonathan) Nutter, son-in-law, Donald Widmer, grandchildren, Donny (Sandy) Widmer, Ben (Valerie) Widmer, Matthew (Jennifer) Widmer, Andrew (Devon) Nutter, Kyle (Lindsey Singlar) Nutter, David (Emma Rofkar) Nutter, great-grandchildren, Landon, Avonlea, Kieffer, Abigail, Caleb, Elaina, Evelyn, Jillian, Asher, William and Vivian Widmer, Andrew, Maxwell, and Samson Nutter and her brother, Emery “Butch” Rahrs.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Cathy Widmer, and great-granddaughter, Jaclyn Nutter.

Due to the restrictions of the coronavirus, the service for Joanne will be private and burial will be in the Clay Township Cemetery, Genoa.  Her family has suggested that memorial contributions be directed to the Genoa Area Local Schools Scholarship Foundation, c/o the Genoa Bank, 801 Main Street, Genoa, Ohio 43430, where a scholarship will be set up in her name for graduating seniors. Also suggested is the Genoa Christian Church, 415 Main St., Genoa, or the Christ Dunberger Post 537 American Legion, 4925 Pickle Rd., Oregon, OH 43616

The Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory of Genoa is handling arrangements.  Online condolences may be made to www.walkerfunewralhomes.com