M. Joann Wilhelm

M. Joann Wilhelm, Saginaw, Michigan
Loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and special friends passed away peacefully Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Traditions of Saginaw with her family at her side. Age 91 years. Daughter of the late Harlen and Irene (Rau) Ashbacher, Joann was born May 13, 1934, in Defiance, Ohio. She was married to William D. Wilhelm, her loving husband of 61 years, on August 21, 1954. He predeceased her August 14, 2015. Joann was employed by the Saginaw Township Schools in food service for 24 years. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and very involved in the school as a librarian and Girl Scout Leader. Joann enjoyed cooking, baking, watching MSU sports, spending time at Intermediate Lake, feeding the birds, enjoying the loons and especially spending time with her family and extended lake family.
Surviving to cherish her memory are two daughters and one son, Debbie and Dave Badini, Saginaw; Bill and Cindy Wilhelm, East Lansing; Denise and Ron Crawford, Saginaw; eight grandchildren, Justin (Debbie) Badini, Lacey (Joshua) Sinclair, Cara (Heather) Snyder, Christopher (Diana) Badini, Andrew Crawford, Kaitlyn Shorter, Laryssa Crawford and Lucas Crawford; seven great-grandchildren, Adelaide and Amelia Badini, Sara and Zoey Kemp, William, Clayton and Louis Badini; a sister-in-law, Verda Ashbacher; many nieces and nephews. Joann was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Marie Shorter; and her brother, James L. Ashbacher.
A special thank you to the staff at Traditions of Saginaw and Covenant at Home Hospice for the loving care and support given to Joann and her family.
Funeral Liturgy will take place 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State St., Saginaw, Michigan. Rev. Fr. Steven Gavit will officiate with burial in St. Andrew Cemetery. Friends may visit at the Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd. (between Shattuck and McCarty), where the family will be present on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church or the Intermediate Lake Association.