JoAnn Privasky

JoAnn T. Privasky, age 90, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026, from complications of dementia. She was born on February 13, 1936, in Wolf Lake, Michigan, to Gerald and Vallery (Ames) Applegarth and remained a lifelong resident of the Muskegon area. JoAnn graduated from Muskegon High School in 1954. On July 6, 1957, she married her beloved husband, Gerald M. Privasky, in Muskegon, and he survives her. JoAnn began her career working for Dr. Aamondt, where she trained as a dental assistant. She later worked for Dr. Dan Mixer and served as a dental receptionist for Tom Smith, DDS, retiring in 1998. While raising her five children, she also provided in-home daycare and, for many years, worked evenings as a night visitation attendant for Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services until 2011. A devoted volunteer, JoAnn served at the visitors' desk at Hackley Hospital and at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts. She was also a longtime member of Samuel Lutheran Church. JoAnn enjoyed spending time at the beach, wintering in Ft. Myers, Florida for more than 20 years, reading, tending to flowers, and participating in water aerobics. She was a former Brownie Troop leader and served on the PTA board. Those who knew JoAnn will remember her infectious laugh and the ever-present smile that brightened every room she entered.
SURVIVORS include her husband of 68 years, Gerald "Jerry"; and their five children, Jori (Terry) Rose, Jami (Tim) Kordecki, Jill (Scott) Cooper, Jera (Jared) Collinge, and Gerald "Jerry" Privasky II; nine grandchildren, Kyle, Anne, Jay, Alex, Kevin, Jason, Jena, Jared, and Ava; nine great-grandchildren, Elly, Poppie, Oliver, Joey, Jay, James, Owen, Ames, and the recently born Olivia; brother John and sister-in-law Sharon Applegarth, sisters-in-law, Elenor Applegarth and Judy Privasky; nieces, Jerel and Julie; and nephew, John. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jerry Applegarth; and sisters-in-law, Doloris Dahlman (Roger) and Barbara Privasky.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice and Memory Care staff at Clark Retirement for the compassionate care they provided during Mom's final months, as well as to the staff at Sentinel Point, where she had previously made her home.
A Memorial Gathering for JoAnn will be held from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444, 231-798-1100. She will be laid to rest in Norton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation to Emmanuel Hospice of Grand Rapids. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com