John and Joan S. Walukonis
February 3, 2021 - October 16, 2023
Lakewood Ranch, Florida - John S. Walukonis Jr. February 23, 1931 ~ February 3, 2021
Joan I. Walukonis March 1, 1931 ~ October 16, 2023
John S. Walukonis Jr. was born at Mercy Hospital, in Muskegon Michigan on Friday, February 23, 1931. Joan I. Riegler was born at Mercy Hospital, in Muskegon, Michigan on March 1, 1931. Born just six days apart in the same hospital their love of life, and each other, began on the shores of Lake Michigan.
John was the third child with 3 siblings. He loved fishing with his father, gardening, and excelled at sports. Joan was the second child with 7 siblings. She loved reading, honing her communication skills, and clothes. They graduated from St. Joseph High School together.
They married on February 3, 1951, and became a brothers-married-sisters' pair, when John and brother Richard married Joan and sister Jackie.
John and Joan created an instructive, adventurous childhood for their children. The family volunteered in their community. They had perch cookouts, block parties, Lake Michigan beach days, and danced to Johnny Mathis albums after their kids went to bed.
John graduated from Aquinas College, was employed at Muskegon's Anaconda Wire & Cable, retiring as General Manager in Marion, IN.
Joan graduated from Western Michigan University, and Masters at Ball State. She taught in Illinois, Indiana and sponsored Yearbook and Pom pons.
As John received promotions they moved from Muskegon, MI, to Parchment, MI, Anderson, IN, Sycamore and DeKalb IL, Marion IN, and retired to River Isles Golf Club in Bradenton, FL
John won 5 Club Championships, made 21 holes-in-one, and the Club created an annual "John Walukonis Award" honoring his achievements.
Joan Volunteered for Manatee Memorial Hospital for 20 years, at the Playhouse, and 12th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem.
John and Joan travelled to 43 of the United States, Canada, England, Portugal, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Belize, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and Aruba, N.A.
After John passed February 3, 2021, on their 70th Wedding Anniversary, Joan moved to Grand Living in Lakewood Ranch, FL, exactly where John would have wanted her to live. She made wonderful friends, enjoyed classes, bingo, and gourmet dining that she did not have to cook! Joan enjoyed her time there very much, but decided to move in with daughter Jodi and was in that process when she passed.
As there was not an obituary written when John passed, Joan wanted a combined obituary published for them both after she passed.
John was preceded in death by his parents John and Anna Walukonis Sr. and siblings Edward, Rita, and Richard. Joan was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Irene Riegler and siblings David, Tom, Bob, Rose Marie, and Jackie.
John and Joan are survived by their children Jodi A. Walukonis, John S. (Vicki) Walukonis III, Jeffery M. (Robin) Walukonis, granddaughter Casie J. (Anthony) Nocito, great granddaughter Marin H. Nocito, grandson Andrew J. (Monica) Walukonis, great grandson Daylan J. Walukonis, Joan's sisters Dorothy Wright and Mary (Brad) Buckley, 27 nieces and nephews, a multitude of friends. More pictures at Forever Missed https://www.forevermissed.com/johnandjoan-s-walukonis/about
