Joan A Howard

Born June 8, 1955 to Ernest and Alice (Ghidina) Svendsen, she married Lyn Howard on November 25, 1983 in Pekin. He survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Julie Dawe of Pekin; one son, Daniel W. Dawe, Jr. of Pekin; three step-daughters, Sharon M. (Ron) Reinhartz, Kathi L. (Tim) Bilyk and Bethann (Mark) Holcomb, all of Gilroy, California; one step-son, Brock A. Howard of Gilroy, California; thirteen grandchildren; one sister, Jan (Brent) Roberts of St. Peters, Missouri; and three brothers, Richard (Pamela) Anderson, Grant (DeeDee) Svendsen and Ernie John Svendsen, all of Pekin.

Her parents and her son, Joshua Michael Dawe, preceded her in death.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.

She attended St. Joseph School and graduated from Pekin Community High School. She also received a computer programming degree from Illinois Central College.

Joan was a care giver for her family and enjoyed cooking for them. She was a positive person who always tried to find the good in people. She was proud of her heritage and was also fond of horses. More than anything, she loved her family and cherished time spent with her grandchildren.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Carol House of Hope at P.O. Box 3855 Peoria, IL 61612.