Joan Ellen Glinski

1946 - 2021

Joan Ellen Glinski

Joan Ellen Glinski, 75, of Toledo, Ohio, died Sunday, June 6, 2021, at her home in Toledo, Ohio. Born March 6, 1946, in Willard, Ohio, she was the daughter of Claude and Barbara (Ujvari) Wheeler.

Joan graduated from Willard High School in 1964. After graduating, she worked at RR Donnelley & Sons where she met the love of her life, Michael Glinski. Joan and Mike were married within 3 months of dating and that marriage lasted 55 wonderful years. Together, Mike and Joan had 4 children. Joan worked much of her life in the toughest job of all, a stay-at-home mom, where she raised 4 children to become successful adults, helped to raise her 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, and kept the household in perfect order. She also worked several years at a local printing company.

Joan cherished her family time above all else. She never missed a sporting event, school activity, recital, or play. Even as Joan's children grew into adults, they could always count on her to be there on the sidelines supporting them and cheering them on. One of her greatest joys was being a grandmother to her 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She was always there to babysit them, help with homework, keep them in line, put in ponytails and help them grow into amazing people. Joan was always there to sew on a button, fix a pair of pants, make a Halloween costume, or help with a recipe. She was the reason family holidays and get-togethers were so special. Joan painstakingly decorated for each holiday, made fantastic feasts, and spoiled the kids with too many gifts. She was someone you could always count on.

Joan loved her home with Mike on the lake where they enjoyed visits from hummingbirds, grew lilacs, tended her flowers and plants, watched families of ducks grow, and relaxed outside with their evening cocktails. She and Mike enjoyed traveling together, playing cards and dominoes, taking rides in their Corvette on summer evenings, and visiting with family and friends.

She treasured her time with friends. She constantly talked about her Zumba gals and the fun times they had in class. She played monthly euchre tournaments (which were really more about the food and socializing) with the same group of women for over 20 years. And, if that's not enough, Joan played Bunco each month with the same group of women for over 42 years! These lifelong friendships were one of the most important things in Joan's life.

Joan enjoyed cooking and baking, sewing and doing crafts, shopping on Amazon, buying gifts, and going out to local restaurants. Recently, Joan picked up a new hobby. She became fascinated with genealogy and learning about her family's history. She was able to trace her family tree back to some of the first settlers from Europe and found that she was related to Benjamin Franklin. Joan enjoyed sharing her discoveries with others and even uncovered some long-lost relatives along the way.

Joan is survived by her loving husband, Michael Glinski; children, Rhonda Melnyk, Heather (Richard, Nathaniel, Nicholas, and Rachael) Sauceda, Denise Glinski, Eric (Sarah) Glinski; grandchildren, Magdalena (Scotty), Roxanne, Brianna, Ryan (Tara and Rhoen), Bryce, and Brecken; great-granddaughter, Gianna; sisters, Barbara Slaton and Boots Wilson; brothers, Benjamin (Beverly) and James (Diane) Wheeler. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Barbara Wheeler; sister, Patricia Lawrence; brother, Chris Bittner; brother-in-laws, Danny Wilson and John Slaton.

Friends will be received on Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Walker Funeral Home, Holland-Springfield Chapel, 7438 Airport Highway, Holland, OH 43528 (419-865-8879). A memorial service will follow the visitation at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences can be shared at

walkerfuneralhomes.com