Joan Elizabeth Bayer

1950 - 2024

Joan Elizabeth Bayer

Joan Elizabeth Bayer passed peacefully in her home in Ottawa Hills, Ohio, on May 29, 2024. Born in Bloomfield, New Jersey, on May 18, 1950, to Joan Lou Nelson and William Fette, who both preceded her in death, Joan is survived by her loving children, Morgan, Carter, and Parker Bayer, along with many friends who were like family. She was preceded in death by her former husband and father of her children, Douglas Paul Bayer.

Joan graduated from Ohio University with a degree in psychology and earned her master's in physical therapy from The Ohio State University.

Despite the challenges of her childhood, Joan chose to fill her life with kindness, generosity and style, qualities she learned spending idyllic summers with her grandparents on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Joan often spoke fondly about how her grandmother, Sarah Bess Johnson, was the most influential person in her life, showing her love and teaching her about the spirit of giving.

Joan was a talented cook and loved to entertain. She was as known for her elegant parties as she was for her intellect, fierce determination, humor, and kindness. One of Joan's favorite pastimes was being with her family at her home in Hilton Head Island, where she welcomed many friends. Those who joined her at the beach house will remember beach walks, her eloquent homemade meals and after dinner clean-up parties, where there was often more dancing to the good vibrations of the Beach Boys than cleaning.

Her insightful one-liners, sweet-quirky messages, and the special touches she added to everything she did will be fondly remembered by those who knew her well.

A woman of many talents and skills, Joan was equally proud of her charitable giving and success in business. One of her favorite sayings was, "To whom much is given, much is expected," and she never took for granted what she had earned. Joan was a passionate supporter of education and gave freely to address the causes of generational poverty.

As an Entrepreneur of the Year award recipient, Joan was an entrepreneur at heart, dedicated to caring for the elderly. She began her career as a physical therapist at St. Charles Hospital, quickly advanced to the role of assistant vice president. It was here that her passion for developing and inspiring others was born. In 1978, Joan founded Concept Rehab with a team of dedicated professionals, many of whom remained very dear to her and still with the company. Her founding CRI core values of Commitment, Respect and Integrity are still a driving force at Concept Rehab. Even before her children were born, Joan dreamed of sharing her business with them, and they are proud to continue her legacy.

Beyond Concept Rehab, much of Joan's success was built on doughnuts. Through Krispy Kreme franchises, she loved bringing sweetness to many lives.

Joan was proudest of all to be a mom to her three children, and she loved them fiercely. She had a uniquely special relationship with each and treasured her "three Bayers."

Joan had a palpable intensity about her and lived her life with intention and lead with love. She strove every day to make the world a better place.

Services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Friday, June 7, at 11 a.m. where the family will receive guest starting at 10 a.m. with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. The family would like to thank the Cherry Street Mission for their commitment to the city. In lieu of flowers, we would be honored to accept donations to charity their organization. Arrangements by the Thos. I. Wisniewski Funeral Home (419)531-4424.

www.wisniewskifuneral.net