Joan V. Heraver, age 93, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Waukegan, IL, completed her earthly journey on February 25, 2024, at the Luther Manor Grand Meadows in Asbury, IA.  To honor Joan’s life, a private family service is being held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Joan’s family.

Joan was born on April 25, 1930, in Chicago, IL, a daughter to Frank and Sophie (Pocica) Michaelski.  Being one of ten children, Joan learned quickly that life is not solely about ourselves, but rather the role we play within the lives of others as well.  Joan eventually met and married the love of her life, Frank Heraver, on October 29, 1949.  They were blessed with 74 wonderful years together, and two children of their own before Frank was sadly called home ahead of her on November 19, 2023.  Joan was a devoted wife and mother who found great pride not only in her Polish heritage, but also being given the opportunity to raise and nurture her family with the values of a strong ethic combined with the stamina to face each and every challenge that presented itself along life’s journey.  While the boys were young, Joan did take on a little typing work at home to keep her skills polished, and when they were grown she eagerly ventured out into the working world as a secretary, eventually retiring from the Ann P. Kiley development center in Waukegan, IL.

In her free-time, Joan could easily be found out tending to her beautifully abundant flower gardens.  As commonly accepted knowledge, a good gardener is considered to be the physical manifestation of a good mother at heart, and Joan’s talent was second to none.  Her ability to bring forth the prosperous growth of every plant and flower in her care was undeniable and she faithfully went on to volunteer her time at talents at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in her later years.  Joan also had a soft spot for animals of all sorts.  The birds, squirrels, and even the inevitable stray cats were all well fed and cared for as if they were as loved as household family pet.  Her heart thrived on watching over and caring for all of God’s creations presented before her, whether man or animal, Joan was always ready to serve.  But, truth be told, Joan discovered her greatest joy in life when her grandchildren came into her life.  This new and magical dynamic fit perfectly within her nature and Andrew and Becky were truly blessed to have been entrusted to such a loving and tenderhearted Grandma.  It’s beyond difficult to imagine living in a world without Frank and Joan leading the way moving forward, but we do appreciate and understand that none of us can escape the grip of time in the end and thankfully we can find great peace in knowing that the Lord chose to place us in Joan’s care along the way.  Thank you, Joan, for living as you spoke, loving as you led, and for always bringing your very best to each day for all who knew and loved you to enjoy.  May the Lord bless and keep you safe in His grace-filled arms until we all meet again.   

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Joan include,

her two adored sons,

Charles (Lisa) Heraver, Gurnee, IL,

and Robert “Bob” (Sharon) Heraver, Antioch, IL;

her grandson,

Andrew Heraver, Gurnee, IL

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Frank (Sophie) Michaelski; her granddaughter, Becky Heraver; and her siblings, Anna (Al) Kaczmaryn, Florence (James) Falatico, Celia (Matt) Zaleck, Alich (Chuck) Hall, Phyllis (Casper) Teser, Lucille (Jack) Dutton, Lottie (Arnie) Peterson, Frank Michaelski in WWII, and Rita (Bob) Guerin, Sr.

Joan’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Luther Manor Grand Meadows and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Joan’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com