Jo Ann Hablitzel Legacy Research Reception
Decoding Tomorrow: How Genes and AI Shape a Healthier Future
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM ET
Wolstein Research Building
2103 Cornell Road
Cleveland, OH 44106
Please RSVP by November 24, 2025.
In her memory, Tom and Jan Hablitzel established the Jo Ann Hablitzel Legacy Research Reception in Cleveland.
Who is Jo Ann Hablitzel?
Jo Ann (Konieczny) Hablitzel was the youngest of seven children born to Polish immigrants who settled in Oak Harbor, Ohio. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in education and went on to marry Charles Hablitzel, whom she met in high school. The two raised their four children in Oak Harbor.
Jo Ann taught middle school math in the Oak Harbor school system (Benton-Carroll Salem) for nearly 30 years and was known to invest in her students inside and outside of the classroom. She was a leader in her small-town community - teaching Sunday school, supporting local charities and enjoying nights with the girls in her card club! Jo Ann had a sense of humor and an engaging personality and was always willing to help a neighbor. She also had a collection of angels on display throughout her home and believed they existed in Heaven and on Earth.
Jo Ann passed away suddenly at the age of 61 on July 28, 2002, due to complications following a heart attack. It was later discovered that she was allergic to blood thinner medication.
She is remembered by her husband Charles, her four children and their spouses Toni (Alan), Tom (Jan), the late Todd (Beth), and Traci (Kevin), nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.
In addition to the Jo Ann Hablitzel Legacy Research Reception, her family honors her memory through the Jo Ann Hablitzel Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes an Oak Harbor High School student majoring in education. As part of the application process, students are required to write an essay that recognizes a teacher who provided a positive influence on their decision to pursue a career in teaching. This scholarship fund has received contributions from more than 50 non-family members, making it one of the highest value awards given annually.
Finally, the Hablitzel Family Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in cardiovascular research was also established to spark the career of an aspiring local researcher and help lead to future innovations in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
Because research happening anywhere helps people everywhere.
Brought to you by the Hablitzel Family, in loving memory of Jo Ann Hablitzel.
Jo Ann Hablitzel (left) and Tom Hablitzel (right) at Tom & Jan's wedding on August 1, 1987.
