Joanne Marie (Gruver) Wojahn

Date of Birth : July 29, 1932

Date Deceased : - August 11, 2018

Joanne Marie Wojahn, age 86, died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, in Dallas, Ore. From her birth July 29,1932 to her death this past Saturday, she expressed to the world her love, faith, laughter and enthusiasm.

Jo was born in Welcome, Minn., to Lyle and Josephine Gruver. She was the fifth child and only daughter, with five brothers, Bob, George, Gordon, Howard and Clarence. She had a penchant for riding and training horses and had a real love for music and singing. Her family moved to Yucaipa, Calif., then on to Molalla, Ore., where she completed high school.

After graduating, she attended Oregon State University for two years. It was there she met Karl Wojahn on a blind date and the two fell in love. But Joanne moved to Southern California to become a fight attendant for United Airlines in 1952. Undaunted, Karl continued to pursue her and the couple eventually eloped Nov. 27, 1954.

Karl and Joanne returned to Hillsboro and she gave birth to four children, Roger, Scott, Holly and Greg. Karl first worked for Bird's Eye Foods in Willamette, Wash., but then took a position with Mattel Toys and the young couple moved to Huntington Beach, Calif., where they raised their family.

Different chapters of their lives together took them from California to Ohio, Hong Kong and many other European destinations. Joanne finished her degree at Northern Kentucky University in 1978.

In addition to her own children, Joanne was blessed with eight grandchildren: Skyler, Max, Kirby, Kaylin, Grayson, Haley, Tess and Melissa; and two great-grand children, Piper and Dax.

She was preceded in death by her son, Greg; and four of her brothers, Bob, George, Gordon and Clarence. She is survived by her daughters-in-law, Terri and Lara; and son-in-law, Gary.

Joanne will be remembered as a bright, shining light in the various communities and churches she served. Memorials may be made in Joanne's name to the charity of your choice.

Published in The Oregonian from Aug. 20 to Aug. 26, 2018

Joanne Marie Gruver Wojahn was born July 29, 1932 in Welcome, Minnesota. She passed away August 12, 2018 in Dallas, Oregon.

Joanne was in the 1950 class at MUHS. She married Karl F. Wojahn in California in November, 1954. They had twins Roger and Scott Wojahn December 1955 in the Silverton, Oregon Hospital.

Holly Wojahn, and Greg Wojahn followed the twins.

Joanne is survived by her loving husband, Karl, Roger Wojahn, Scott Wojahn, and Holly Wojahn, an artist.

Unfortunately her son Greg died of cancer a few years ago.

Joanne had many friends at MUHS; I’m sure she would want them to know of her passing in the Remembrance listing.

Joanne led an interesting life with Karl and the family. She was a great gal of many talents and a strong faith.

Written by Lois Hall-Gruver – Class of 1953 (Mrs. Howard L. Gruver ‘49)