JoAnn Lafayne Havens (Severson), 88, of Loves Park, Ill., died August 28, 2022 in Illinois. She was born in Black River Falls, Wis., January 16, 1934, the daughter of Peter and Lena Severson. She was married to Robert L. Havens with whom she bore four sons. She was a resilient mother, elementary public-school teacher and pioneering child daycare entrepreneur who lived most of her life in the Rockford region. She enjoyed big-band music, dancing, viewing the “Lawrence Welk Show,” Wisconsin nostalgia and conversing with her lifelong friend, Hilma.
She was predeceased by her mother, father, six brothers and one sister. Surviving are four sons, James R. Havens (Jody) of Chehalis, Wash.; Jonathan C. Havens of Loves Park, Ill.; Jeffrey P. Havens of Helena, Mont.; Jay M. Havens of Loves Park, Ill.; and three grandchildren.
A family graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 N. Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, IL 61115.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Havens family.