News Summary
Lana Joyce Rahn, a devoted educator and community leader, passed away peacefully at 74. Her legacy includes a commitment to education, community involvement, and support for her family. Lana’s career spanned various roles in educational services, and she was active in community service and the arts. She leaves behind her husband, three children, and beloved grandchildren. A memorial service will be held to honor her contributions to her family and community.
Evans, GA – Lana Joyce Rahn, a cherished educator and community leader, passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on September 19, 2025, surrounded by her family. Her life was marked by her dedication to education, community service, and unwavering support of her husband, Dr. Daniel Wallace Rahn, to whom she was married for 53 years.
Lana was born on January 16, 1951, in East Stroudsburg, PA, as the only child of Freda Siptroth Joyce and Thomas Richard Joyce. She graduated from Stroudsburg High School in 1968 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Muhlenberg College in 1972 and a Master’s degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University in 1975. Following her studies, she worked at Yale University as a Research Associate on a project related to the Head Start Program, demonstrating her early commitment to educational initiatives.
Later, Lana served as an Educational Consultant with ACES (Area Cooperative Educational Services) in Hamden, CT, where she continued her engagement in education. She married Dan Rahn on August 26, 1972, and together they raised three children: Jason Daniel, Rebecca Joyce, and Zachary Thomas. The family lived in New Haven, CT, during Dan’s medical school years and eventually settled in Guilford, CT, where Dan practiced medicine. Throughout their lives, they moved to several locations, including Augusta, GA and Little Rock, AK, before returning to Augusta.
Lana was deeply involved in her community, volunteering and participating in various church activities. She taught children’s Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was active on church committees. Her commitment to service extended to her role as a Group Leader and Substitute Teaching Leader with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). She played a vital role in community arts initiatives, contributing to programs that brought performing arts to the Medical College of Georgia and visual arts to hospitals.
As a dedicated spouse, Lana supported Dr. Rahn’s career, which included significant leadership roles at the Medical College of Georgia and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Her service to the community also included involvement with the Salvation Army Board and fundraising efforts for the Kroc Center of Augusta.
In 2017, the family moved back to Evans, GA, to care for her aging parents and to be closer to her grandchildren. Lana is survived by her three children: Jason D. Rahn (Marlie) of Seneca, SC, Rebecca R. Vahrenwald (Scott) of Evans, GA, and Zachary T. Rahn of Denver, CO. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Taylor Rose Rahn, Evelyn Grace Vahrenwald, and Lydia Joy Vahrenwald.
The family expressed their gratitude to Lana’s medical team at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center for the care she received. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Warren Baptist Church, following a reception of friends on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors in Augusta, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, Golden Harvest Food Bank, or the Counseling Ministry of Warren Baptist Church.
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Additional Resources
- Legacy: Joseph Joey Nevils Obituary
- Wikipedia: Education
- Thomas Poteet: Lana Rahn Obituary
- Google Search: Lana Rahn
- Legacy: Mary Wylds Obituary
- Google Scholar: Community Service
- Thomas Poteet: Beverly Barnhart Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Involvement
- Legacy: Hubert Lee Barnes III Obituary
- Google News: Evans GA
- Thomas Poteet: William Brigham Obituary
- Wikipedia: Volunteerism
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
