Joan Elaine Saichek

ROCKFORD - Joan Elaine (Aspenleiter) Saichek, age 85, of Rockford, IL, passed away surrounded by loved ones on February 15th, 2024. She is reunited with her dear husband, Jack, who passed away in 2018. Joan was born on March 22nd, 1938 to Dorothy M. (Burger) and Jacob V. Aspenleiter in Milwaukee, WI. After graduating from Rufus King High School, she attended the Milwaukee Hospital School of Nursing to become a Registered Nurse. Early in her career, Joan worked in the Mother/Baby Unit at Swedish American Hospital. She took time off to raise her children and enjoy life as a stay at home mom. She then worked at Rockford Memorial Hospital on the ATEP unit where she helped those addicted to drugs/alcohol to withdraw and find support to build new lives During those years Joan also attended classes at Rock Valley College and went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Northern Illinois University in 1987. She was certified to work as a school nurse, following her internship in the Harlem School District.

Joan met Jack Charles Saichek in Milwaukee while he was on leave and they soon became dedicated pen pals as Jack was serving overseas in the Army. The couple loved to go dancing at the Eagles Ballroom. They were married November 27, 1959. They moved to Sandwich, IL and had their first child, Steven in 1961. 2 years later they moved to Rockford, IL. Their second child, Susan was born in 1963 and their third child Jill was born in 1964.

Joan was predeceased by her loving husband of 57 years, Jack, Dorothy Saichek (mother), Jacob Aspenleiter (father), Jeane Perlinger (sister), Jack Aspenleiter (brother), Ed Perlinger (brother-in-law), Scott Perlinger (nephew), dear friend Ellie, and beloved dog Spats.

Joan is survived by her 3 children, Steve (Michelle Locascio), Susan Leombruni, Jill Haynes (Bud), all of Rockford area; sister-in-law, Lana Aspenleiter of Nebraska, and brother-in-law, Alan B. Saichek (Alison) of Portland Oregon. Joan had 9 grandchildren: Justin (Akanksha), Nicholas (Jocelyn), Max Saichek, and Kenzie (Matthew) Bowman, Brent and Lucas Leombruni, Nathan (Emily) Alms, Mandy (Erik) Fetter and Jordan Alms. Joan was blessed with "6 and counting" great-grandchildren: Eleanor, Jovie, Raelynn, Ryder, Jyoti and Juniper.

Joan's brother and sister moved from Milwaukee to Nebraska where Joan's kids made many happy memories with their 6 fun cousins in the country and on the farm: Cheryl, Scott, Randy, Brian, Connie and Bobby. Joan's children remember her as a fun-loving, supportive mother, who was an exceptional cook and baker, never too busy to listen or offer guidance. Her grandchildren's favorite memories are when she would tell great stories from her childhood, play catch, shoot hoops, go on a shopping spree, spend time with them at the lake, and play in huge leaf piles. She loved to don her vintage nurse's cap and take care of them when they felt sick or just didn't think they were well enough to go to school. Grandma Joan would never pass up a chance to cheer at her grandkids' educational, athletic (baseball, football, basketball, gymnastic, swimming, soccer, volleyball, track) and musical events. She loved to talk on the phone or video chat with her long distance grandkids and always signed off with "You be a good girl/boy now. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. I love you." Her great-grandchildren brought her the happiest days of the past 5 years, sharing great joy during each visit. Joan was very athletic and enjoyed playing baseball and football as a youth. In high school she worked in a dime store at the public swimming pool, played the bass drum in the marching band at Rock Valley College and enjoyed bicycling and golf.

Joan loved gardening and going to the movies. After retirement, she loved traveling with Jack to: California to visit Jack's brother and wife, to Minocqua and Fontana to spend time at the lake with family, and Florida to see friends, explore Disney, and even go whitewater rafting! Just like Jack, she was a big sports fan. She loved the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. She had a special fondness for Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Braun, Patrick Mahomes and Steph Curry.

Her family would like to thank the loving and dedicated staff at the Bickford of Rockford for all of their support, as well as the sympathetic staff at Northern Illinois Hospice. In keeping with Joan's wishes the family will celebrate her life with a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA)

322 Eighth Ave. 16th Floor

New York, NY 10001 @https://www.alzfnd.org

Winnebago County Animal Services

4517 N. Main Street

Rockford, IL 61103

@ winnebagoanimals.org

To light a candle or to share a memory please visit rockfordfunerals.com

www.rockfordfunerals.com