Joanne Noffke

Joanne Gesiakowski Noffke ,84, of Oro Valley, AZ formally of Oak Forest, IL died on September 14, 2022 after a brief illness.

She was born on August 15, 1938 in Chicago to the late Louis, Sr. and Anna Piwowarski Gesiakowski.

Joan is survived by he loving daughter, Denise Joy Dorabiaski of Oro Valley, AZ, a son, Guy Henry Noffke of Palatine, IL, her dear sisters, twin sister Jeanna Robbins of Ridgway, PA, Suzanne Jerrick of Oak Lawn, IL and Celine “Sally” Rackouski of Merrillville, IN. Joan was especially close to and holds a special place in the hearts of nieces Joyce Robbins Fenner, Rita Robbins Compton (Larry), Lorretta Robbins Sladek (Mark), and nephew Robert Robbins (Timmothy Leathers) and great nieces, Emily Fenner, Stephanie Sladek Lyle (Steven), Carol Sladek, and great nephews Armin, Christopher, and Austin Muth. She is also survived by her dear friend Mona Lopez f Vail, AZ and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded by 2 sisters, Anne “Nancy” Schultz and Barbara Dulfer, 6 brothers: James, Robert, Loius Jr., George, Raymond, Theodore Gesiakowski, and great nephew, Daniel Fenner.

Joan was taught by the Felician Nuns at St. John of God (Polish) Catholic Grade School and Our Lady of Good counsel H.S in Chicago. At 15 years of age, she began working full time as a grocery checker at the A&P, later earned a GED Diploma and married the love of her life Henry “Hank” Noffke on February 3, 1962. He preceded her in death on December 9, 2003. Joan and Hank made lifelong friends while they raised their family in South Holland, IL, and later settled in Oak Forest, IL. From volunteering and baking treats for the school parties and being a Girls Scout leader. Joan loved her family; she took Aunt Marianne Piwowarski Burda out to weekly bingo and lunch. Joan bought her dinner and visited often before Aunt Marianne died at 92. Joan excelled at every job she ever had from A&P grocery checker to head checker (payroll & scheduling, Bell Savings and Loan teller to Supervisor of tellers, office manager of Bold Business Forms. It would take volumes to write of all the good Joan did. All the lives she touched. She was kind, caring, loving, generous, hardworking, selfless, etc. The world is a better place because Joan was in it.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, Pa, 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com