JoAnn Katafiasz, 85, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, and was surrounded by her loving family.

JoAnn was born on July 20, 1941, to Julius and Frances Vargo and was a proud graduate of Waite High School. She married the love of her life, Karl Katafiasz, and together they shared 64 years of marriage, building a beautiful life and family filled with love and countless memories.

JoAnn was a devoted wife and mother to her two children, Karla and Tom. Family was everything to her, and she especially cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren. She would light up whenever she saw them and always enjoyed going to breakfast with them and taking annual shopping trips for birthdays and holidays, making memories and simply spending time together.

JoAnn worked at St. Charles Hospital in Central Supply and sterile processing before retiring. She also enjoyed giving back to her community and volunteered with the East Toledo Junior Football League, proudly supporting local youth and their families.

JoAnn's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving grandmother to Andrew (Jestine), Megan, Katie (Andrew), Marisa (Austin), and Morgan, and a proud great-grandmother to Ariel, Eli, Brysen, Genevieve, Barrett, and Brynnlee. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought immeasurable joy to her life, and she treasured each and every one of them.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Frances Vargo; her brother, Butch Vargo; her sisters, Johnette, Joyce, and Janet; and her brothers-in-law, Richard, Mike, and Cork.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Karl; her children, Karla (Matthew Bodenstedt) and Tom (Michelle Bires); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister, Julie; her brother, John (Cindy); as well as her nieces, nephews, and many friends who were blessed to know her.

JoAnn will be remembered for the love she had for her family, the joy she found in being a grandmother and greatgrandmother, and the warmth she brought to the lives of those around her. Her family will forever cherish the memories they made with her and carry her love with them through the generations.

Above all, JoAnn loved her husband, Karl, with all her heart. For 64 years, they shared a love, a life, and a family that meant everything to her. Karl was truly the love of her life, and the bond they shared will remain a beautiful part of her legacy forever. She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.

The entire family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Charles Hospital and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the compassion, kindness, and care they provided to JoAnn and her family. Deepest thanks are also extended to Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home for their guidance, support, and gentle care during this time. There is an immeasurable amount of gratitude for everyone who cared for JoAnn and helped guide the family through this difficult journey. Your care and compassion will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Rd., where funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow in St. Ignatius Cemetery