She was employed as secretary in the Speech Department at Augustana College and the Easter Seal Foundation, where she co- chaired two local telethons. After leaving Augustana, she was employed for 10 years as administrative assistant and as Director of the Illowa Lutheran Coalition. While Illowa director, Joanne served on the Board of Habitat for Humanity, initiating fundraising through Illowa for six Habitat homes. She retired in 2003. In 2005, Joanne was honored by the Habitat Board for her dedication and fundraising efforts. She also served on the boards of the Ecumenical Housing Association and the Quad City Antiracism Group.
She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Rock Island since 1955, served on the church council, finance committee, taught Sunday school, VBS, confirmation classes and served as Christian Education Director and as Sunday School Superintendent. She initiated and taught a Sunday school and VBS program for children with special needs. She was a strong advocate and active in Christian Education at all levels, served on the Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA conducting teacher education and VBS workshops around the Synod. She was a member of the Delta Eta Chapter of Sigma Phi Gamma International Sorority and served in several offices, including President of the local chapter and Province.
As a parent, she was a PTA member and President of Denkmann, Washington Jr. High and Rock Island High Schools. She served as President of the Rock Island Music Association, chairing fundraisers and chaperoning marching band trips around the state.
She is survived by her children (and spouses), Janis (Jim) Diamond, Davenport, Susan (Joe) Basala, Bettendorf, and Kevin (Rene) Petrilli, Lakewood, Colorado; grandchildren, Mitchell and Drake Diamond, Rachel and Alex Basala, Codey and Alyssia Petrilli, and Savon Wyant; nephews, Jeff Horn, of Virginia, and Craig (Janet) Petrilli, of Arizona. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents, Leonard and Lillian Lindquist; and her sister, Karen Horn.
Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She spent many hours babysitting, attending school programs, recitals, concerts, musicals and sports events. She enjoyed playing bridge and scrap booking. She was deeply loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed.
This obituary was originally available at www.wheelanpressly.com.
