Lana Rahn

Evans, GA - Lana Joyce Rahn, 74, beloved wife of Dr. Daniel Wallace Rahn, passed peacefully into her heavenly home on Friday, September 19, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 16, 1951, in East Stroudsburg, PA, Lana was the only child of Freda Siptroth Joyce and Thomas Richard Joyce. She graduated from Stroudsburg High School in 1968, earned a B.S. in Psychology from Muhlenberg College in 1972, and completed her Master’s degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University in 1975. She worked as a Research Associate at Yale University on a project associated with the Head Start Program in New Haven, CT and later as an Educational Consultant with ACES (Area Cooperative Educational Services) in Hamden, CT, dedicated to helping young children and families.

On August 26, 1972, Lana married Dan, the love of her life. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, faith, and adventure. Early in marriage, they lived in New Haven, CT while Dan was in Medical School, residency and fellowship training. They then moved to Guilford, CT where Dan was in medical practice. They had 3 children: Jason Daniel, Rebecca Joyce and Zachary Thomas. Their journey took them from Guilford, CT, to Augusta, GA, to Little Rock, AK, and back to Augusta. Wherever they lived, Lana created a warm and welcoming home for their family. She poured her heart into being a mother, whether it was volunteering at school, helping with homework, or making sure the family gathered together at the table each night.

Lana’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She taught her children’s Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She volunteered on the Pastor’s Search Committee and helped rewrite her church bylaws. Many of her closest friendships grew out of her faith, especially through her long-standing involvement with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), where she served for many years as a Group Leader and Substitute Teaching Leader, and also through the adult Sunday School class she co-taught with her husband. Even as she faced health challenges, she remained a guiding example of Christian faith and devotion.

Lana was Dan’s faithful partner in every season of life. As his career took him into leadership roles as President at the Medical College of Georgia in 2001 and later as Chancellor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2009, she walked beside him carrying out all the responsibilities of being the “First Lady” with grace and strength. She had a gift for bringing beauty and encouragement wherever she went, championing visual and performing arts. She was part of a major initiative to put on noon performing arts programs for the entire MCG community and bringing visual art into the hospital both at MCG and UAMS. She also supported community projects including serving on the Salvation Army Board during the fund-raising program that led to the Kroc Center of Augusta. Her watercolor paintings and her love for the arts reflected the beauty she saw in the world and the joy she carried in her heart.

Lana and Dan returned to Evans, GA in 2017 to care for her parents and be closer to their grandchildren. She always placed the care for others above herself. To look at her life is to see her love for God and her family. Those who knew Lana turned to her as a light during dark times. Her steadfast faith was contagious. She touched many lives in ways that cannot be expressed in words. The world was a better place with her in it.

In addition to her beloved husband of 53 years, Daniel, she is survived by her children: Jason D. Rahn (Marlie) of Seneca, SC, Rebecca R. Vahrenwald (Scott) of Evans, GA, Zachary T. Rahn of Denver, CO; and her grandchildren: Taylor Rose Rahn, Evelyn Grace Vahrenwald, and Lydia Joy Vahrenwald who brought great joy into her life. She also leaves behind dear friends.

The family wishes to extend a special heart-felt thank you to her entire medical team at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. in the worship center at Warren Baptist Church with Dr. Frank Page officiating supported by Rev. David Dillard. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com

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.