Joann Marie Klingfus Kenna

Joann Marie Klingfus Kenna (née Tucker) passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, at the age of 83 following a brief illness.

Joann was born in Sparta, Wisconsin, on October 15, 1942, to the late Harvey and Louise Tucker. After marrying her first husband, Don, they moved to Iowa, where they adopted their daughter, Angela. Following Don's passing, Joann and Angela moved to Cuyahoga Falls in 1980. She later married Pat, who passed away in 2009.

Joann graduated from nursing school in 1985 and began a fulfilling career devoted to caring for others. Her compassion and dedication to her patients remained evident throughout her nursing career until her retirement in 2007.

She passed away in the arms of her daughter, Angela, and her beloved dog, Shanda. She was also surrounded by family and friends.

Joann deeply loved Jehovah and was immensely grateful to the brothers and sisters who helped her become a publisher in the Cuyahoga Falls congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Joann was a simple woman who enjoyed her weekly trips to visit her favorite hairdresser and niece, Eva. She also took great pride in her meticulously manicured lawn and the beautiful flowers that her daughter, Angela, spent hours maintaining.

Joann was also a lifelong lover of dogs. She adopted many of her pets from shelters and rescues, always opening her heart and home to animals in need. One of her most memorable rescues came after her sister-in-law, Donna, in Iowa, with the help of her daughter, Angela, and niece, Lori, met halfway to bring Echo to his new home. Her most recent dog, Shanda, was rescued from a puppy mill and quickly became Joann's best friend and faithful companion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Louise Tucker; her first husband and Angela's father, Donald Klingfus; her second husband, Patrick Kenna; and her siblings, Arlene Walgreen, Jane Kenna, Roy Tucker, Frank Tucker, Calvin Tucker, and Denis Tucker.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Angela (Michael Thomas); her brother, Gary (Renee) Tucker; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Shanda.

There will be no services, as cremation has already taken place. Joann's ashes will be laid to rest with her family at Big Creek Union Cemetery in Sparta, Wisconsin, in August.

The family would like to thank the staff of the NSICU at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, as well as those involved with her transfer and care at the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Justice T. Rogers Hospice Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to reflect on a special memory you shared with Joann or any of her family members.

Hug the ones you love.

Say, "I love you."

When I must leave you for a little while

When I must leave you for a little while,

please do not grieve and shed wild tears 

and hug your sorrow to you through the years, 

But start out bravely with a gallant smile, 

And for my sake and in my name

live on and do all things the same, 

Feed not your loneliness on empty days, 

But fill each working hour in useful ways, 

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer 

and I in turn will comfort you and hold you near,

And never, never be afraid to die, 

For I am waiting for you in the sky.