Joan Diane Molander

Joan [Carlson] Diane Molander of Lewis Center, Ohio passed away on July 15, 2026 at the age of 82, from complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born on March 2, 1944, in Rockford, Illinois to Curtis and Kathryn Carlson. She was the youngest of two girls [Sharon Boudeman]. Joan graduated from East High school where she was active in the newspaper. Joan continued her education at the University of Michigan where she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Joan was employed at Swedish American Hospital where she worked for over 30 years as a registered nurse.

Joan married Leslie [Les] Molander on June 18, 1977. She is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years; two daughters Kimberly [Chris] Shaffer of Decatur, Illinois and Shannon [Kirk] Hess of Dublin, Ohio; grandchildren Savannah [Jason] Enevoldsen, Marie Shaffer, Cassie Shaffer, Griffin Hess and great grandchild Matthias Enevoldsen. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Sharon [Woody] Boudeman and first husband Harold Iwashita.

Les and Joan spent many winters in the Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area after their retirement. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

We would like to thank the nurses and staff at Avalon of Lewis Center and Mount Carmel Hospice for all their care and support.

Per Joan’s request there is no formal ceremony. Private services will be held for Joan’s family at the Newcomer Funeral Home in Powell, OH. If interested donations may be made in Joan’s name to the National Wildlife Federation.

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