Joanne Drinka

Joanne Drinka ( Switzer) (1932-2024) was born in Chicago to Margaret Switzer (nee Guy) and Edward Switzer on March 23, 1932. They moved to Waukegan when Joanne was young. Joanne attended West elementary school and Waukegan High school. She loved spending time with her high school friends, Nancy Celesnek, Judy Groblewski, Louise Benson and Margie Leable at the roller rink. They remained friends throughout their life. Joanne married John Drinka on October 28, 1950 and had four children: Wayne, Dianne, Steve and Donna. Joanne was active at St Joseph Catholic Church, throughout her children's school years. She was a member of the Alter and Rosery Guild, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. Later in life she made life long friends from the YMCA, The Field House, working at the library, and attending TOPS. Joanne and John were long time members of St Dismas Catholic Church.

Joanne is preceeded in death by her Mother and Father, Margaret and Edward Switzer, her two half-sisters Catherine Switzer and Betty Kisonis (Switzer).

Joanne is survived by her husband, John Drinka, her children Wayne, Dianne O'Brochta, Steve (Vicki) and Donna. Grandchildren: Michael Drinka, Kristin Drinka; Jacqueline (Dave) Perez, Theodore (TJ) O'Brochta, Robert O'Brochta; Stephanie Rizov, Kathryn Holstine, Steve Drinka. Great-grandchildren: Blake Drinka, Brady Drinka, Adam O'Brochta, Henry O'Brochta, Thomas O'Brochta, Graeson Perez, Elena Perez, Camille Holstine, Paige Rizov.

A visitation for Joanne will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Most Blessed Trinity Parish; Holy Family Catholic Church, 450 Keller Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at church on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Immediately following Mass, a graveside service will be held at Ascension Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 1920 Buckley Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048.