JoAnn Kaikkonen

Jo-Ann Patricia Kaikkonen

September 17, 1944 – January 10, 2026

In loving memory of Jo-Ann Patricia Kaikkonen (nee Gilboe). Jo-Ann passed away in Port Charlotte, Florida after a lengthy battle with heart and kidney disease complications. Jo-Ann loved life intensely and she endured significant physical limitations and pain for several years. During that period, she neither complained nor allowed it to diminish her enthusiasm for life. Everyone who knew or cared for her admired her resilience, grace, and humor as she managed daily life with multiple medical services during those years.

Jo-Ann was a devoted Aunt and Grandmother who also cherished many friends and neighbors as family. Jo-Ann loved travelling and travelled with her husband Art in their 43 years of marriage to over 30 countries; often with friends and family. They became RV enthusiasts, and they frequently attended RV rallies.

Jo-Ann was a Roman Catholic, a dog lover and a fervent Republican, and often donated generously to organizations that supported her passion for those causes. She especially loved her own three dogs, Toby, Shotzy and Simon.

Jo-Ann was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, where she graduated from the W.F. Herman Academy/Secondary School. She was active in competitive dancing and was an active member of the Girl Guides of Canada. After her family moved to Center Line, Michigan, JoAnn began a career as a Medical Technician. Jo-Ann married Art Kaikkonen in 1980, after which they moved to Arlington, Texas. Jo-Ann then began a career in the residential real estate business, where she became a Multi-Million Dollar Producer. Jo-Ann and her husband Art moved to North Port, FL in 2020 after 40 years in Texas.

Jo-Ann was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband of 43 years, Arthur, who passed away in 2023.

Surviving relatives include her brother, Garth Gilboe; sister, Suzanne (Gilboe/Stubblefield) Kirschenman; nephew Bradley Gilboe; niece Danielle Gilboe; grandnephews Preston Gilboe and Baz Gilboe; Stepson, Son – Kenneth Kaikkonen (MI) and spouse Lisa (Skwirsk), grandchildren – Tyler Kaikkonen (MO), Conner Kaikkonen (MI) and Carley (Kaikkonen) Salzemnick and spouse Tyler Salzemnick (MI); Stepson – Kirk Kaikkonen and spouse Rebekah (Sanders), grandchildren – Hannah Kaikkonen (CA), Ashley (Kaikkonen) Ricks (CA), spouse Brian Ricks (CA), Kenan Kaikkonen (CA), Corbin Kaikkonen (CO) and spouse Cambriella (Carver), Salem Kaikkonen (MI); Stepdaughter – Kelly Kaikkonen (MI/FL) and spouse Norris Herndon (FL), grandchildren – Olivia Link (MI) and Lauren Link (IN), as well as five great grandsons; Brennan, Jude, and Noah Ricks; and Kaia and Zoen Kaikkonen (CA).

JoAnn was cremated and will be interred with her husband, Art, at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI, following a memorial service.