JoAnne Marie Palacz Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

JoAnne M. Palacz, 74, of Lake in the Hills, passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at her daughter's home. She was born January 1, 1938 in Waupaca, Wisconsin the daughter of Myron and Elna (Christensen) Huffcut. On September 21, 1958 she married Kenneth Palacz in Chicago. JoAnne married Ken early in her life. She had four girls. She was a wonderful wife and mother. JoAnne and Ken spent much of their time dancing and listening to country music. When the children were old enough, she returned to school and obtained an associate's degree from Harper College. JoAnne was a kind and loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending her retirement visiting with family and friends. She loved to play cards, games, and put puzzles together. During the summer, you could find her on the lake fishing. Everyone who knew her knows how much she enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino. Whenever possible she would join the family on vacation trips. She loved life and was loved by everyone. She spent most of her last seven years with her loving companion Roger. He and his family embraced her. She would think of herself as a mother to ten children. She always felt lucky to have found him after the death of her husband. She is survived by her beloved children; Linda (Ray) Gerlach of Schaumburg, Cheryl (Todd) Martin of Lake in the Hills, Karen Hall (Sonny Staton) of Grand Bury, TX and Janice Hughes of Hanover Park, her loving grandchildren; Erica and Brian Gerlach, Rebecca, Tyler and Matthew Martin, Daniel and Stephanie Hall and Kaitlynn and Kelsey Hughes, Her dear brother John (Georgia) Huffcut and brother and sister in law Robert (Janet) Palacz, her cherished companion Roger Krueger and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kenneth on Sept. 23, 2004 and three sisters Geraldine Trinrud, Eleanor Robinson and Betty Ruth. The Memorial visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the 4:00 PM Memorial Service Sunday, December 23, 2012 at the James A. O'Connor Funeral Home 11603 E. Main St., Huntley. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation 1317 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2928.

JoAnne Marie Palacz

January 1, 1938 - December 18, 2012