Joan Reimann

Ruth Joan (Field) Reimann, 84, died on December 31, 2016 in Idaho Falls, following a long illness. She was born December 7, 1932 in her family home, across the street from her family’s drugstore in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Dr. Charles and Mollie (Brallier) Field. She was the youngest of 5 children; her siblings Charles Field, Faye Acre, Daniel Field, and Lois Acre all preceded her in death.

She grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, studying piano under Professor Jeno Takács. In the mid-1950’s, she taught piano at the Grier School, a girls’ school in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. She then worked for Westinghouse in Blairsville, Pennsylvania where she met George Reimann, whom she married in 1960. As they started a family, they moved to Dayton, Ohio and then to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. They moved to Idaho Falls in 1973 and later divorced.

Music was her passion throughout her life. She gave the gift of music to her family, friends, church, and every community in which she resided since childhood. She played both piano and organ, and taught many aspiring musicians to play piano. She was a founding member of the Eastern Idaho Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. She was the organist at the First Presbyterian Church in Idaho Falls for over 25 years. She frequently accompanied the Idaho Falls Opera Theater. After her retirement, she continued to play for various churches, events, and musical organizations around town, even into her 80’s. Her children and grandchildren have carried on her musical legacy.

As a mother, Joan was always game for sewing many choir outfits and prom dresses, assisting in diorama construction, baking the traditional Christmas cookies, and, of course, accompanying her children’s many voice lessons and performances. She is survived by her daughters Barbara Reimann of Bend, Oregon; Linda Durante (sons Nicholas and Anthony) of Amarillo, Texas; and Julie Reimann (husband Paul, children Ian and Sophie) of Bellingham, Washington. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family especially wishes to thank Joan’s friend Bob Pedersen who helped to watch over her in her final years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the "Meals on Wheels" program through the Idaho Falls Senior Center at 535 W. 21st Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402.

Arrangements will be through Wood Funeral Home. Private services will be held in Pennsylvania, where Joan requested to be laid to rest with her family. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com .

Passed away on