Joan Gleeson Kahn

Joan Gleeson Kahn, 84 Joan lived a life filled with strong commitments to Wichita State University, her Catholic faith, and her family. She served 31 of her 36 years at WSU at Secretary to Jim Rhatigan, Vice-President and Dean of Student Affairs. Following her guiding beacon, "Others First," Joan easily created and sustained friendships with numerous students ranging from those with typical campus life challenges, student athletes and campus leaders. Known as "Mom" of the Student Government, its former presidents inscribed a special accolade in WSUs Plaza of Heroines. "Joan Gleeson Kahn, A Good Friend to Students." She extended her service to other campus organizations, including WSU Alumni Assn., WSU Womens Assn., and WSU Credit Union (Board Member). Despite Joans humility, her generosity of spirit did not go unnoticed. She was one of three staff members earning the 1994 WSU Presidents Award for "Service Beyond the Expected." Moreover, WSU honored her in 1996 as the recipient of its highly coveted LAURA CROSS AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE. Joan embraced the values of her Catholic faith. She dedicated her life to philanthropy and helping others. She served as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Monicans, Serra Club Seminarian Sponsor of Future Priests. Moreover, Joan particularly cherished her Holy Savior Catholic Church family. With her marriage to Mel Kahn 31 years ago, Joan acquired three adult children and welcomed them into warm mutual loving relationships. These close-knit ties passed on to her eight grandchildren whom lovingly relate to her as their Grandma Joan. She was born in Seminole, Oklahoma to John Daniel Gleeson and Hortense Hoffman Gleeson. Her Sociology B.A. was earned at Mount St. Scholastica College. Joan was preceded in death by brother, Daniel Gleeson; sister-in-law, Margaret Gleeson; and daughter, Miriam Sichel. Her immediate loving survivors are husband, Mel Kahn; daughter, Shari Greenberg (Dr. Bruce); son, David Kahn (Carol); son-in-law, Dr. Lawrence Sichel; grandchildren, Aaron Greenberg, Dr. Jordan Greenberg, Mara Greenberg, Hannah Kahn, Ryan Kahn, Jacob Sichel, Adam Sichel, and Ethan Sichel. Other devoted survivors are nieces/nephews, Beth Barry (Rex Williams), Kay Defries (Bob), Rick Gleeson (Deeana), Tim Gleeson (Ann Maas), and cousin, Larry Schlappy (Kathy). Rosary and Funeral Services will occur at Holy Savior Catholic Church, 1432 N. Chautauqua in Wichita. The Rosary is 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, November 7, and the Funeral Mass is 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, November 8. The family requests those who wish to honor Joans life in a special way consider a contribution to Holy Savior Catholic Church or the WSU Endowments Joan Kahn Trio Scholarship. Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.