JoAnn Koehler

In Loving Memory of JoAnn Koehler

May 5th, 1939, JoAnn McDonald was born in Albany, CA. Her parents were Ruby and Emmet McDonald. Jacqueline and Carol were her older sisters.

JoAnn grew up in the Bay Area. She treasured time spent with her mom in the kitchen and had many friends! She performed in the school theater and loved to sing. JoAnn graduated from Emery High School in 1957.

In April of 1960, JoAnn married Victor Garner. In 1966, they were blessed with a daughter who they named Deverie. Together, they lived in Castro Valley for many years. From 1973 to 1975, they moved and built a custom home near Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii.

For 20 years, JoAnn worked as a meat wrapper. In June of 1979, JoAnn purchased a beautiful house in San Leandro- at the top of a hill with a view of San Francisco Bay. JoAnn made it a lovely home where she raised Deverie to young adulthood. Deverie met Kirk Voral and while they were dating, Kirk bought the house across the street from JoAnn and Deverie. In 1988, Deverie and Kirk were married. They had three children- Danielle, Chelsey, and Tyler.

In September of 1984, JoAnn married Gerald Koehler. Family and fun were their shared values! With their families combined, they had many grandchildren. Wonderful memories came from weekend gatherings and holiday celebrations at their home. Summers were spent boating, driving the golf cart around, and enjoying their trailer in Spanish Flat, Lake Berryessa. They hosted extravagant annual Super Bowl parties with elaborate football decorations.

JoAnn was an Oakland Raider Season Pass ticket holder for 20+ years. JoAnn was an avid golfer and member of the Marina Bay Women's Golf Club for 15 years. She was also a member of the Hill & Valley Women's Club.

JoAnn had a lifelong love of music and the theater. She dined at her favorite restaurants. She loved to cook casseroles and bake treats for her family. Every year, JoAnn canned her famous waxed peppers and green beans. She started doing this with her mom, then continued the tradition every year.

JoAnn loved to take care of her friends and family. JoAnn was always warm and welcoming to all. Throughout her life, JoAnn was known for her cheerful disposition, caring nature, happy sense of humor and smile. JoAnn had a big, generous heart. She shared and cared deeply for the people in her life. Joann will be missed dearly and remembered by many.

July 13th, 2025, was JoAnn Koehler's last living day. She lived to be 86 years old. JoAnn's parents, sisters and husband, Gerald Koehler, preceded her. JoAnn is survived by her first husband, Victor Garner in Ripon, CA; daughter, Deverie Voral (and her husband, Kirk Voral) in Escalon, CA; grandchildren, Danielle Voral, Chelsey Neffinger (and her husband, Dave Neffinger), Tyler Voral in San Diego, CA; great grandchildren, Kingston Clark and Millie Neffinger in San Diego, CA. JoAnn spent the end of her life at home with family gathered around and her favorite songs playing. JoAnn's final resting place is with her parents at the Golden Gate Mausoleum in El Cerrito, CA.