Joanne L. Cohagen

COHAGEN, Joanne L.
Kalamazoo 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, 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, 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. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, February 8, 2014 in Trinity Reformed Church, 326 West Cork St., Kalamazoo, MI, with Rev. Dr. Dennis Voskuil officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday, beginning at 1:00 PM until service time. Memorials may be given to Trinity Reformed Church or the charity of one's choice. "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid."John 14:27 "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for The Lord is the Rock Eternal."Isaiah 26:3, 4 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:2.