Rochelle

Joanne Coan, 63, of Rochelle passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, Illinois.  Joanne was born on June 18, 1960 in Rochelle, the daughter of Richard and Olive (Svela) Hickerson.

Joanne was a lifelong member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rochelle, where she was baptized and confirmed.  She grew up and lived in Rochelle all her life.  She worked for the Rochelle school district as a bus driver, lunch hour cook and a bus aide.  She loved to shop and travel.  Her favorite place to visit was Door County, in fact she last saw it on September 11, 2023. She loved her family more than life itself, especially her granddaughter, Cierra.  Joanne also had a great time visiting her five grand goats, one grand pig and two grand dogs. She enjoyed all the family reunions throughout the years and visiting with extended family and friends.

Joanne is survived by her daughter, Stacy (Brian) Leifheit of Rochelle; granddaughter, Cierra McGinnis of Rochelle; sister, Carolyn (Jon) Bieck of Oregon, IL; two nieces: Marilyn (Chris) Horey and Debra (Kim) Burkhart; one great niece, Meghan (Chad) Alles and two great great nieces: Charlotte and Amelia Alles.

In addition to her parents, Richard and Olive, Joanne is preceded in death by two brothers: David Hickerson and Roger (Viginia) Hickerson and two aunts: Ruth and Grace.

Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M., Saturday, October 14, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Avenue, Rochelle. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Michael Wolff officiating.  Burial is at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle.  Contributions in Joanne's memory may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.