Josephine Ann Ulmer

Josephine Ann Ulmer, age 91, passed onto our Lord, January 16, 2026.  She was born January 16, 1935, the third of four children to Charles and Josephine Wurzell.

As a young child, JoAnn overcame polio.  Later, after attending both Central Catholic and Scott High Schools, JoAnn married William A. Ulmer on November 13, 1951.  Shortly after the first of their eight children were born, JoAnn began a career as a mother to her growing family.  Later, when her youngest was in high school, she worked part-time in the office of Dr. Ward Taylor.

JoAnn was very generous with charity work; both in time and donations.  She was involved at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sylvania, including Eucharistic Ministry, CRHP and Coordinator of the CCD program.  She also volunteered at Flower and St. Vincent Hospitals for many years.

JoAnn deeply loved her family.  She cherished her marriage of 67 years with Bill, who passed away in 2019.  She felt blessed by her eight children and many grandchildren.  JoAnn had a positive outlook on life and thanked God for each day.  She loved the sunshine and trips to Aruba, North and South Carolina and most recently Florida, where she would spend the winter months.  She will be greatly missed.

JoAnn is survived by her children, Bill (Mary Crenshaw), Michelle Deeter, Sean (Edward Stinson), Mike (Katie) and Amy (Greg) Bonfiglio and daughter in law, Martha Ulmer; grandchildren, Nick Ulmer, David and Mark Deeter (Brian Hawkins), Josh Ulmer (Laura Becker), Chelsea Ulmer (Dustin Vannoy) and Hayley (Steve) Heisler, Nicholas (Ava McQuillin) and Eleanora Bonfiglio; and 6 great grandchildren, Emily Jane and Riley Ulmer, Russell and Kennedy Vannoy, Chase Heisler and Charlotte Ulmer.   She is survived by her sister Judy (Jake) Newcomer. She was preceded in death by her sons, infant Darby, Doug and Kerry.  Also preceding her, were her parents Charles and Josephine Wurzell, grandchildren Ben and Wendy Ulmer; and siblings Jack (Georgie) and Larry (Marge) Wurzell.

The family would like to thank Rosary Care Center for their warm care during the last month of JoAnn’s life.  In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable contribution to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 5411 Main St., Sylvania, OH 43560 or Heartbeat of Toledo, 4041 W Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43623.

Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Friends are invited to visit at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 S. Main Street, Sylvania, Ohio, on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 10:00am.  Mass of Christian Burial follows at 11:00am.  Online condolences at Reeb; www.reebfuneralhome.com.

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