Esther Mann

Joleen Mann, 88 of Battle Creek, MI passed away on December 1, 2022 at Evergreen Senior Care & Rehab Center.  She was born August 13, 1934, the daughter of Martin and Selma (Martin) Johnson in Admire, Kansas. She graduated from Admire Rural High School in 1951 as president of her senior class and graduated Valedictorian. Joleen successfully completed her Associates Degree in Secretarial Business and joined the US Federal Government as a secretary. Joleen married Elmer (Red) Lee Mann in 1953. They lived in Topeka, Kansas while Red attended college obtaining his bachelor’s degree in business.  Joleen often kidded she helped type all his papers to earn that degree. In 1958, Joleen and Red moved to Ogden, Utah working at Hill Air Force Base.  They loved western living and truly enjoyed the area’s national parks frequently visiting Yellowstone and the Tetons throughout their lifetime. In 1962, they were transferred to Washington, D.C. to prepare and train for the opening of the Federal Center in Battle Creek, MI.  Joleen worked as an executive secretary for DLSC until 1989, retiring at the age of 55. Joleen was blessed with three children - Douglas (Karen) Mann, Janice (Richard) Burdick, and Sheri (Curt) Ainsworth. She was strong mom and caring grandmother. She prioritized time for 6 grandchildren: Brittany Mann, Renee and Mitchell Burdick, Travis, Kelsey and Jay Ainsworth. Recently, she greeted her fifth great grandchild. One of Joleen’s greatest passions was sewing and counter cross stitching beautiful items for her family and pets. She absolutely loved her furry friends, caring for many kitties, dogs and the outdoor squirrels and birds in her backyard over the years.  Joleen was preceded in death by her husband (Red) in November 2009, her parents and her siblings Elliot Johnson and Karen Ann Johnson. Per her wishes, there will be no memorial services planned.  Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of South-Central Michigan.