July 19, 1934 — Sept. 9, 2014

Joanne Charlene Raihala, 80, of Mishawaka and formerly of Cassopolis, Michigan, died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka. She was preceded in death by her loving husband John Lincoln Raihala and is survived by her two sons Michael and John (Lorie), and her grandchildren John, Carolyn and Matthew Raihala of Madison, Wisconsin. Joanne passed on to her family her lifelong love of music and enjoying time with friends.

Joanne was born on July 19, 1934, in Bremen, Indiana to Otho and Mabelle BonDurant. Growing up in Mishawaka, Joanne attended Fulmer School and then Mishawaka High School where she graduated in 1952.

After high school, Joanne studied at Indiana University in Bloomington, graduating with an English degree in 1956. That fall she began teaching English at Cassopolis High School. She soon started dating a history teacher there named John Raihala and they married on June 22, 1958. Joanne taught until January 1964 and then she left the classroom to help raise a family.

With her husband John, Joanne went on to build a home filled with laughter and gentleness, and their two sons will always be grateful for her devotion and decency and joyful spirit.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon followed by a funeral service at noon in the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka.

A graveside ceremony will follow at 4 p.m. at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka.

Hahn Funeral Home Mishawaka is charge of arrangements. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.