Joan B. Wallem

The vibrant, extraordinary life of Joan Wallem came to a loving, peaceful crescendo the early hours of December 18, 2023 in her home with her family present led by her loving husband of 67 years (sweethearts for 75 years), Paul Wallem.

Joan was born August 10 (Leo), 1934 in Streator, IL. She loved to dance, sing, read and laugh with her best friend Eileen. She was elected class officer her junior year and was also a DAR Recipient as well as being cast as Buttercup in Streator High School’s production of H.M.S. Pinafore.

Joan worked after school as the counter girl at Kerr Jewelry in Streator, where her future engagement ring was bought and made part of a successful future marriage proposal at George Diamond’s Steakhouse on Wabash in Chicago. At the University of Illinois, she became a member of her beloved Phi Mu sorority.

After she graduated with a degree in Physical Recreational Education, Joan married her soulmate Paul on August 12, 1956, two days after her 24th birthday. She loved teaching dance to middle school students in Watertown, WI., and of being of service.

After moving to Rockford in 1968, Joan served on the board of directors for Rockford Memorial Hospital Foundation and was a force nature with the year-round fund raiser Big Top. Joan also served on the Rock Valley College Foundation and on St. Anthony’s (OSF) Foundation Board of Directors. For Fifty years, Joan devoted her service for Phi Mu, both locally and nationally. She was a member at large of the Phi Mu Board, was President of Phi Mu National Foundation, and served as a counselor to colligates with drug addictions.

Her greatest joy in life was her family, and her family adored her. One of the last things she said was, “How did I get so lucky to have the best children, grandchildren, and husband in the world?”

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul; sons, Jeffery (Cheryl), Stephen (Tony); daughter, Linda (Melissa); granddaughters, Lindsey Doherty (Patrick) and Lauren Rheingans (Adam), Bailey, Johnnie Rose; grandson, Miller and the beautiful, Caitlyn.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the OSF HealthCare Foundation at osfhealthcare.org/foundation/donate-now.

A Celebration of Joan's life will be held Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com