Joan Zielenbach

Joan H. (Joanie) Zielenbach of Hilliard, Ohio, passed peacefully from this world on August 4, 2025, after a long illness. She was 89 years old. 

Joan was born on October 16, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Wilson and Katherine (Bell) Hochreider. She was raised in the Ogontz neighborhood of Philadelphia, where she enjoyed a joyful childhood under the loving care of her parents and her sister Katherine, who often served as a second mother to her.

A proud graduate of Germantown High School, Class of 1953, Joan’s life took a delightful turn when she met the love of her life, William J. (Bill) Zielenbach, on a blind date while working a summer job at the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City, New Jersey. They married on June 30, 1956, beginning a journey of love and devotion that lasted more than 69 years.

Not long after their wedding, Joan and Bill made a bold move from the East Coast to Columbus, Ohio, following a job opportunity that began their new life together. What once seemed like the other side of the world became the heart of their shared story — filled with family, friendship, and unwavering love. After starting out in an apartment, Joan worked for the Ohio Department of Health until the birth of their first child, Kurt.

Soon after, Joan and Bill settled in the growing suburb of Hilliard, where they built their first home and raised their family, which grew to include daughter Karen. Joan quickly became rooted in the Hilliard community — not only raising her family, but also engaging in civic life and forming deep, lifelong friendships. Her lifetime of service to the community ultimately led to her induction in the Hilliard Senior Hall of Fame in 2024.

Faith was central to Joan’s life. She joined Hilliard Presbyterian Church in 1960 (while it was still holding services at J.W. Reason Elementary School!) and remained a devoted member for life. She served in many leadership roles, including Church Elder and various committee chairs, and was active in Presbyterian Women, a national organization committed to building an inclusive and caring community of women.

Education was another of Joan’s great passions. She served as a school secretary and reading tutor for Hilliard City Schools for many years. She was also a founding trustee of the Hilliard Education Foundation, a volunteer-led nonprofit committed to enhancing academic excellence in Hilliard Schools. In 2005, she was honored with a Foundation Star for her exemplary service.

Joan was known for her warmth, hospitality, generosity and zest for life. She loved cooking and entertaining, playing card and board games, family gatherings and spending time at the beach — her happy place.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Katherine Stutz; brother-in- law, Charles Stutz; nephew, Keith Stutz; and daughter-in-law, Anne Lipe Zielenbach.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Bill; children, Kurt Zielenbach and Karen Zielenbach Brown; son-in-law, Todd Brown; niece, Christine Stutz, grandchildren, Molly Zielenbach (Ben Flores), Christopher Brown (Jess), Audrey Zielenbach (John Forton), and Trevor Brown (Meghan); great-grandchildren, Stevie and Albert Flores; step-great-grandchildren, Adrian Abrams (Myiah Gullick) and Collin Abrams; and step-great-great-grandchild, Tyrus Gullick.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM, with a luncheon to follow. Calling hours will begin at 11:00 AM, also at the church. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be broadcast via Facebook Live on the Hilliard Presbyterian Church Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, remembrance contributions may be made to: Hilliard Education Foundation or Hilliard Presbyterian Church