Joan Marie Makela

1936 - 2022

Joan Marie Makela
Born: July 19, 1936 in Milwaukee, WI
Died: February 27, 2022 in DeKalb, IL
Joan Makela, 85, of Sycamore, died on February 27, 2022 at the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center in DeKalb, IL.
She was born on July 19, 1936, to Michael and Alice (Steele) Milyanovich. She grew up in Greenfield, WI and graduated from West Milwaukee High School. She was known to her family and friends as "Gramma Jo," "Mrs. Mak," "Joanie" or just "Jo".
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Lloyd and Fred Milyanovich, and her sister, Betty Milyanovich.
Joan married her husband Harold Pippin on June 27, 2014. He survives. She is also survived by her children, Brian (Laura) Makela of Machesney Park, IL, Lisa (Andy) Novinska of Mahomet, IL, Jason (Jessica Otte) Makela of Aurora, IL, her much loved grandchildren, Ryanne Swanson, Sydney Makela, Mackenzie (Stephen Casey) Makela, and Aiden and Anna Novinska, her brother Mike (Gloria) Milyanovich of Sycamore and several nieces and nephews.
Joan joined the Air Force Reserves in Milwaukee, WI in 1957, and was proud to serve. She eventually settled in Sycamore, IL and lived in the DeKalb/Sycamore area for over 50 years. During that time, she worked at Diamond Wire, DeKalb Ag and Blackhawk Moving and Storage among others.
Joan loved watching and playing sports. She especially loved softball and played for many summers at Sycamore Park. Later in life she was able to enjoy sports through her children and grandchildren. If the kids were competing in a soccer game, gymnastics meet, track meet, basketball game or volleyball match, you can bet Joan would be there…. camera in hand! She was also a consistent presence at play performances, recitals, birthday parties and graduations.
Joan was a very caring and generous person to family and friends alike. She gave to several different charities and was always willing to help anyone in need. She even made arrangements before her passing to donate her body for research so that others might benefit.
Above all, Joan loved being a mother and grandmother. She took great pride and joy in the accomplishments of her family, and she never missed a chance to tell them how much she loved them. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
Memorials may be made to Tails Humane Society of DeKalb, IL or Wounded Warriors Family Support.
A celebration of Joan's life will be held at a later date, yet to be determined.