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CHAMPION -- Joan Elizabeth Reinfurt Krivanek, 95, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
She was born on July 21, 1931, in North Hoosick, New York, to Edward and Catherine Tighe Reinfurt.
Joan spent her childhood on the family farm in Hoosick Falls, New York, with her five older siblings. She graduated from Hoosick Falls High School in 1948 and went on to Troy Business College. She worked as a secretary in the state office building in Albany, where she met her future husband's sister, Millie, who introduced them.
Joan and Lou Krivanek were married in 1952, then moved to Schenectady, New York, and then to Shelbyville, Indiana, where lifelong friends were made. They moved to Warren in 1964. Joan and Lou became active members of St. William Parish, Champion. Joan served as a lector and participated in NAIM Club and Golden Agers, as well as many other activities and committees. She attended daily Mass with many of her favorite friends. Joan was an avid Cleveland Indians fan.
Joan found joy as a stay-at-home mom, but also later loved her work for Mr. Harley Kirkpatrick, Attorney Ray Tisone and Dr. Robert Naples.
Surviving are her four children, Jim (Linda Ruse) Krivanek of Canfield, Judy (Bob Thornton) McNeish of Pataskala, Jan (Mark) Ferrara of Brookfield and Paul Krivanek of Columbus Developmental Center. Left to cherish her memory are nine grandchildren, Theresa (Jason) Davies, Chris (Mary DePartout) Krivanek, Mary (Corey) Sternthal, Kaitlin (Craig) Freeman, Joseph (Chelsea) Ferrara, Matt Krivanek, Alessandra (Joey) Flynn, Connor McNeish and Madeline Ferrara (Gabe Gretz). She was blessed with 13 great-grandchildren, Beau, Deacon, MacKinley, Fitz, Emilia, Jack, Vinny, Willis, Lucio, Isla, Emmett, Norah and Violet. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Louis; her grandson, Joshua Mark Ferrara; her brothers, Joseph, Edward and Robert; and her sisters, Mary and Ann.
The family wishes to thank Clearview Lantern Suites, Champion Estates, and Otterbein Senior Living for caring for Joan. Special thanks to Mary, Nola, Gloria, Felicia and Eric for constant visits over the past months.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to St. William Parish, 5411 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren, OH 44483; or the Rich Center for Autism, 1 University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555.
A funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at St. William Catholic Church, 5431 Mahoning Ave., Warren. Calling hours will be private, for the family only.
Interment will be in All Souls Cemetery, Bazetta.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.
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