Joan M. Wolf

Joan Mangon Wolf, age 81 of Gnadenhutten, died Tuesday, August 8, 2017 in the Inn at Northwood at Dover.

Born a Dover, Ohio on June 25, 1936, Joan was a daughter of the late William James and Ruth Matilda (Metcalf) Mangon.

Following her graduation from New Philadelphia High School, Joan obtained her nursing degree from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Cleveland. She continued her education at Kent State University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts and later achieved a Master’s of Arts degree at the University of Dayton.

Joan’s professional career spanned for more than 20 years in the Health Education Department at Buckeye Career Center. Through the years, she maintained active memberships with numerous associations that included the American Nursing Association, Ohio Nurse’s Association, served as past president of the Tuscarawas Nurse’s Association, St. Luke’s Nursing Alumni and was recognized as an honoree of the Alpha Tau Delta Nursing Fraternity. Additionally, Joan participated in a Harvard University Nursing Study program for more than 40 years.

Her work as an educator found her busy as an active member of the National Education Association, the Buckeye Education Association, Delta Fi Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. Her efforts, and contributions to society did not go unnoticed as she was recognized as an International Honoree for Women in Education, was named among the Who’s Who American Educators and American Women, received the Ohio Vocational Association Distinguished Service Award, the AVA Pacesetter Award, and was honored as a Jennings Scholar. Additionally, Joan co-authored the Heath Education text for The Ohio State University.

Another important aspect Joan’s life was her work as a member of the Gnadenhutten United Methodist where she actively contributed to the Church Administrative Council, the Staff Parrish Committee, was founder and first chairperson of the Memorial Scholarship committee, was previous President of the United Methodist Women and Naomi Circle and served a decade as a lay member for the East Ohio Methodist Conference.

Through the years, Joan was active as a Past Region of Ft Laurens Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and maintained memberships with the Tuscarawas Genealogical Society, First Families of Tuscarawas, College Club of Tuscarawas County, Gnadenhutten Women’s Club where she served as a past president, and also served as the president of Highlands Florida Branch of American Association of University Women.

Her volunteer work was extensive and included, serving as a not only a nurse, but as a CPR and First Aid instructor with the American Red Cross. She also enjoyed her work with Community Hospice, the Gnadenhutten Museum, serving as a tour guide at Roscoe Village, and volunteering at Trinity Twin City Hospital, the Tuscarawas County Health Department and the American Heart Association.

Additional hobbies included traveling, reading, spending time with her family and friends and being a Nature Member of the National Audubon Society.

It was her belief that a productive and positive member of society was that of an individual which gave back to the community. Joan not only believed this theory but lived it through her many professional, civic, and church related activities. It was her hope that others not read of her activities and awards as self-accolades but as an encouragement to all to go out and be stewards for one another.

Joan will be missed by her husband, Robert Charles Wolf; a son, Robert Clayton (Theresa) Wolf of Dover; a daughter, Amy (Keith) Wolf-Apfel of Fort Lee, New Jersey; grandchildren, Cameron, Kristopher, and Kaira Wolf, Avery and Drew Apfel; three brothers, Ronald (Barbara) Mangon of Auburn, Arkansas, Larry Mangon of Ashland, Ohio and David Mangon of North Canton;  a sister-in-law, Jeannie Mangon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah Wolf; a brother, James Mangon; and sisters-in-law, Susan Mangon and Vicky Mangon.

Pastor Seth will lead a memorial service on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10:30 am in the Gnadenhutten United Methodist Church, 220 N. Walnut St., Gnadenhutten, Ohio 44629. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Memorial contributions in Joan’s memory may be directed to either Gnadenhutten United Methodist Church or Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.