Josephine A. Baalman

Dateline: Jerseyville
Joan Baalman, 84, passed away on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital surrounded by her family. Joan was born to Joseph and Ann (Kosina) Kokta in Chicago, Illinois. One of three children, Joan grew up in Chicago and graduated from Chicago's Carl Schurz Public High School in 1958. She attended St. Therese Hospital School of Nursing and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing in 1961.
Joan lived a life filled with love, dedication and a deep commitment to her family and community. Born and raised in Chicago, she shared her childhood with two sisters, creating memories under a big apple tree in their front yard, sledding in the wintertime and playing red rover with neighbors. She was also playing pretend hospital before she was six years old, foreshadowing the future fulfillment of her dream of becoming a nurse.
She devoted herself to her studies and looked forward to school as a place to grow and learn. It was during her school years that she met her beloved Bernard "Barney," who would become her lifelong partner. Together, they were deeply committed to their community and the patients they cared for. That commitment was evident when they moved up their wedding date at St. Louis' Immaculate Conception Church so Barney could perform a surgery. Joan remained actively involved in medical practice and often cared for patients at home alongside Barney.
Throughout her 84 years, Joan's warm, unselfish presence brought comfort to many. After moving from the city to the beautiful countryside of Hardin, she and Barney raised eight children in a bustling household filled with great love and overwhelming support. They opened their doors to friends and neighbors, welcoming everyone with open arms including many pets over the years like dogs, cats, birds, flying squirrels, raccoon, rabbits, mice, hamsters, horses and even a baby fox.
The family spent countless hours together on the river, and Saturday nights at the Baalman house meant a full house for Sunday mass. Joan's greatest joy came from family gatherings-sharing meals, cheering at sporting events and attending church together. That continued experience of love with her family was her heartfelt wish every time she blew out her birthday candles.
In her later years, that sense of love extended to her grandchildren. She cherished the closeness of their families and enjoyed being present for significant life events such as baptisms and first communions. Her grandchildren could always count on a delicious, home-cooked meal waiting for them, with classical music playing in the background and Tommy the cat wandering about. She loved reading in the sun and adored flowers for their lovely scent, finding beauty in the changing seasons and appreciating God for giving her the opportunity to witness and experience them.
Joan's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She sought to be a strong example of Catholic values, frequently praying the Rosary and Hail Mary while hoping her family would continue to embrace their faith. Her legacy of love, generosity and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her kindness.
Joan is survived by; sister Barbara (Jim) Eroncig, brother-in-law Tony (Kathy) Baalman, Steve (Diane) Baalman and Vince (Pat) Baalman; sister-in-law Mary; daughters Kim (Eric) Eberlin and Sue (Brett) Pohlman; sons Tony (Maria) Baalman, Matt (Missy) Baalman, Jeff (Karen) Baalman, Tim Baalman, and Brad (Stacey) Baalman; 23 grandchildren Lacey, Laura, Levi, Kyndal, Josh, Kailyn, Joe, Drake, Gus, Ali, Jonah, Sam, Jesse, Damian, Abby, Brandon, Emily, Cory, Kadiah, Sydney, Olivia, Drew and Nick; 13 great-grandchildren Layla, Emma, Josie, Lucy, Ellie, Liam, Luke, Owen, Jack, Scarlett, Stella, Dean and Reid; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bernard "Barney" Baalman, son Mark Baalman; parents Joseph and Ann Kokta, step-mother Della Kokta, sister and brother in-law Dorothy and Clifford Martin; sister-in law, Cathy King, brother-in laws Bro. William Baalman, C.P., Robert Baalman, James Baalman, Douglas King and Ernest Walker.
A private visitation will be held. The funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 28th at St. Norbert's Church in Hardin with Father Don J. Roberts officiating. All are welcome to attend the celebration of life which will be held at Straight Home Bar & Grill following the burial at St. Norbert's Cemetery in Hardin.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Norbert's Catholic School or the St. Vincent De Paul Mark Baalman Memorial.
Online condolences can be given at www.kallalandschaaf.com