Launer (Reece), Joanne
1933 - 2021
Joanne Pugh Reece Launer. On Sunday, June 21, 2021, Jo went home to be with the Lord at the age of 88 after struggling with Parkinson's disease for several years. Joanne ("Gumpy" and "JoJo" to her 6 grandchildren) was born on February 17, 1933, in Dayton, OH to Walter and Margaret Pugh. She graduated from Springboro High School, received her elementary education degree from Miami University in 1955, and taught for many years in Kettering and Upper Arlington, OH. On April 11, 1964, she married the first love of her life, James Sabine Reece. They shared 28 wonderful years together and raised two children, Christine (Reece) Mathews and James Timothy Reece. After being widowed for 18 years, she married the second love of her life, Emil Andy Launer on March 13, 2011. They were devoted to one another and enjoyed 10 laughter-filled years. Joanne's life was marked by her love for her family and friends, her passion for education, and by living out her faith in the Lord through her wonderful cooking, hospitality, and service to others. She was an avid Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State football fan all her life, as well as a killer Rummikub player. She was active in church membership and attended several Bible studies. After her retirement, she kept busy traveling with friends, substitute teaching, and leading tours at the Ohio Statehouse. She was an extremely loyal friend and had a sharp wit and a fantastic sense of humor. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Margaret, her brothers Bob and Tom, and her first husband Jim. She is survived by her husband, Andy; sister, Sandy (Larry) Hefflin; children, Christine (Todd) Mathews and Tim (Harriet) Reece; and her grandchildren, Amanda, Trenton, Aaron, Kathryn, Luke, and Rachel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the charity of your choice, in Jo's memory. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Dublin Baptist Church later this summer. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a memory or send condolences to Jo's family. Arrangements Entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd., Upper Arlington, OH 43221.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jun. 26 to Jun. 30, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joanne Launer

Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.

9 Entries

Larry, Millie and Susan McVey

July 1, 2021

Chris, Tim and Andy
We were so sorry to learn of Jo's death. We have fond memories from FCC -- the always willing volunteer and smiling face.
It was so nice to see her in our neighborhood when she and Andy were living on Sheringham Road.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The tribute in the newspaper was a beautiful remembrance of her life.
Larry, Millie and Susan McVey

Hal and JoAnn Stevens

June 29, 2021

Andy - our deepest condolences

Mike Rupert

June 28, 2021

At the Ohio Statehouse, we remember Jo's smiling face and ready laugh. She volunteered giving many tours to adults and students who wanted to know about Ohio history and state government. She is missed.

Robin Obetz

June 28, 2021

Dear Andy and family, Thinking of Jo as I read of her home going- she was a bulwark of strength, wisdom and friendship which she unhesitatingly offered as I was being readied to enter seminary. She stood unabashedly for truth accompanied by many prayers. It blessed me so to read of her life with Andy and I can hear piano `rolls´ of uninhibited joy in the background! God´s love and blessings of comfort to you all!

Matt & Irene Golis

June 28, 2021

Our sympathies to Andy and Jo´s family. I so enjoyed working with Jo at the State House when we were giving tours to children and adults.

Linda Gordon

June 28, 2021

I will never forget the opportunity I had to call Jo a friend and colleague at Tremont school for many years- we had so much fun teaching second grade together! Jo certainly loved her family and talked about them all of the time. I'll never forget how she was like a teenager with a big crush when she met Andy many years after her lovely husband Jim passed. She will be missed by many people. Heartfelt condolences to all of her friends and family.

Tom Daniel Swisher

June 27, 2021

I send my love and condolences to Joanne´s family including Condolences to the Andrew Launer Family.

Richard Doll

June 27, 2021

My sincerest condolences to the family and close friends of Joanne. I had the privilege of getting to know her through our mutual interest in Education and becoming tour guides at the Ohio Statehouse. Joanne was so kind and knowledgeable and will be greatly missed. Andy's musical talents still resonate with me as well. The world lost another good one in Joanne but she will not be forgotten.

Barry Merrick

June 27, 2021

I remember all four of you as a lovely family. Your Mom was a delightful and fun loving teacher at Tremont. Remember "Reece's Pieces" on the door of her classroom? Your Mom will love her new home.

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