Joann Bowman Strauch

Joann Bowman Strauch was born January 4, 1930 in Findlay, Ohio. Her parents were Orville and Golda Bowman. She ascended in heaven on April 17, 2025.

Joann was one of six children; an older and younger sister have passed as well as a younger brother. She is survived by her sister Martha (Ben) Kurzhals and a brother Ivan Bowman.

Joann married Howard E. Strauch, who passed away on 4/20/2020. They were happily married for over 68 years. They are parents to David H. (Holly) Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; Douglas B. (Fran) of Turnersville, New Jersey; Daniel W. (Carol) of Orchard Park, New York; and Barbara A. Reichard (Jim) of Charlotte, North Carolina. Also surviving are a special niece: Leigh Seklemian, nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Joann volunteered in many community activities, including the Salvation Army, FISH, PEO, the League of Women Voters, and the United Methodist Church. She worked to improve the organizations, held leadership positions, listened to others, made suggestions and worked to make improvements.

Jo and Howie had a very happy marriage, including lots of travel (in the U.S. and internationally) and community involvement during their 55+ years in Wooster. The Strauch’s are well known for having annual family reunions for 33 years in a row.

Joann graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, where she met Howard. She taught seventh grade science and girls' physical education in Middleton Ohio. After many years as an active mother and homemaker, she worked at Wooster High School in the visual arts department for 16 years.

She was patient, giving, and will truly be missed and remembered with affection.

Her motto’s were:

Faith, family, and friends

Flexibility is the name of the game

And remember… Keep smiling :-)

Friends may visit April 26, 2025 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Roberts Funeral Home-Sherwood Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 11 at the funeral home (and livestreamed at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com/obituaries/Joann-Strauch) Entombment will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com.