Joan K. Castner

Joan Castner, “Joni”, 84, of Tallahassee, Fl., passed away peacefully on November 10th, 2022.

Joni, as she was affectionately known to family and friends, was born April 8, 1938 to Judge E.H. Wineland and Winifred “Winnie” Wineland in Flora, Il.

Joni held many hobbies and interests as a child of which several shaped her future aspirations and career path. Joni was a skilled musician known for her piano and flute playing skills. Joni was also an avid golfer where she participated in many father/daughter tournaments at the Flora Country Club.

Joni went on to graduate from Flora High School in 1956 where she was quite an active teenager, participated in the marching band, cheerleading and was awarded Homecoming Queen her senior year.

After graduating from high school, Joni went on to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at the University of Illinois, continuing her active involvement and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Joni finalized her degree with coursework at the University of Miami in Florida.

Joni fell in love with teaching and focused on developing English and grammar skills within elementary education students. She also taught at the high school level when the family permanently relocated to North Florida.

In addition, Joni successfully managed office operations for her husband’s architecture practice in Ft Lauderdale, Fl.

Joni initially met Donald (Don) in South Florida while still a college student and the two became inseparable. Joni and Don were married in 1960 and remained happily married for 44 years until Don’s death. Together they had 4 loving children; Karyn (John Wolfer), Kim (Jeff Hearn), Curtis and Colin (Aymie Castner).

Joni was a fiercely dedicated mother, eventually foregoing her career to fully focus on raising her children. Each would go on to accomplish wonderful things yet no matter how far they roamed, she always welcomed them home with open arms.

Family came first and was above all else, a value she instilled in all those around her. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill.

Joni was predeceased by her parents Judge and Winnie, her younger brother Harold “Hal” and her husband Don. She is survived by older brother Gene, her 4 children and 5 wonderful grandchildren, Brooks, Brittany, Kaylie, Tyler and Quinn.

Joni and Don were quite fond of walks in their neighborhood and at local Tallahassee parks where they loved spending time surrounded by the blooming camellias, magnolias, roses and azaleas.

Fittingly, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joni’s name to Friends of Maclay Gardens in Tallahassee, Fl. https://friendsofmaclaygardens.org/donate/ so that they may keep the blooms in bloom eternally.

Viewing services will be held at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Tallahassee, Fl on November 29th 6-8pm, with a public service at 2pm November 30th and private burial to follow.