Joan "Jody" Wolff (Mehelich)

Apr 2, 1941 -

Feb 24, 2026

On Feb. 24, 2026, Joan "Jody" Wolff (Mehelich) passed away unexpectedly, at the age of 84, in her home in Sun City West, Ariz., with her loving husband of 48 years, Art, by her side.

Born Joan, but soon nicknamed Jody, she grew up in the mining town of Coleraine where she had much fun with her friends, brothers Tom and Bill, and sister Jeannie. From a musical family, Jody played French horn and was also a baton-twirling majorette.

After high school, Jody worked as a dental hygienist in Minneapolis, Minn., but soon decided to go to Bemidji State to receive a degree in what was to become her calling in life, teaching. Upon graduation, Jody, along with the accordion-toting Gersich sisters, set out for jobs in Alaska, which involved a two-week journey and camping along the rugged Alaska Highway. Jody taught fifth and sixth grades, and later kindergarten, in Anchorage, Alaska, schools.

She was a lifelong, curious learner, which is part of what made her such a good teacher. While working as a teacher, Jody got her master's degree in education from the University of Alaska and achieved the highest accreditation possible in her field. Everything she did, she did very well.

Jody was very adventurous and loved to travel. She and Art traveled worldwide, and even worked for Princess Cruise Lines in their retirement to receive discounted cruises. She also enjoyed crafting, and was a great cook. She was an excellent host to those who showed up on her Alaska doorstep. After retiring, Jody and Art traded the Alaska cold for Arizona sunshine, where they kept busy with friends, family and camping in their RV.

Jody is survived by her husband, Art; brother, Tom (Fran) Mehelich; brothers-in-law, Gene Specht and Kirk (Janet) Wolff; sister-in-law, Cynthia Boock; 11 nieces and nephews; and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Iris Mehelich; parents-in-law, Fred and Irene Wolff; brother, Bill Mehelich; sister-in-law, Lynn Mehelich; sister, Jeannie Specht; and nephew, Michael Mehelich.

There will be no formal funeral service.