JoAnne Dolhay Obituary

JoAnne's wish was to be cremated with her ashes buried alongside her late husband. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice, c/o the funeral home.

JoAnne Dolhay of Kalamazoo, died on Monday, January 13, 2025 in her home. Born November 5th, 1946 in Allegan, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Dorothy Herpst. JoAnne's life was defined by her determination, quick wit, fierce sense of self, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. The fourth of seven children, JoAnne, graduated from Allegan High School. After high school, she attended cosmetology school and began a career as a beautician that spanned over fifty years and included owning her own salon. Her salon had a loyal customer base, due in large part to the environment JoAnne created. She decorated elaborately for each holiday, always had a full candy bowl, and treated all her customers as friends. Also an avid artist, JoAnne loved to sew, knit, paint, and bake. She loved sequins and chocolate, often suggesting a recipe or pattern that called for them would benefit from the addition of more. Anything she did, she did well and with pizazz. For family, this translated into the most elaborate three-tiered birthday cakes, a testament to her talent, giving spirit, and her love for her nieces and nephews. Something true for both family and friends alike, is that you always left JoAnne's home with more than what you came with. JoAnne is survived by her sisters, Gertrude (Don) Chappell of Allegan, Dorothy (Dan) Vandervere of Bangor, and Susan (Tim) Mehlberg of Parma, OH; brothers, Roger (June) of Onaway and Joseph (Gail) of LaGrange, IN; twelve nieces and nephews; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert, her brother, Ron, and her nephew, Jason.