Joan L. “Jodi” Wawczak

Age 95 of Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Lightways Inpatient Hospice Unit in Joliet, Illinois.

Born on January 15, 1931, in Morris, Illinois, Joan Lee was a daughter of William George and Emily Grace (Turner) Mitchell. She was raised and educated in Morris and graduated from Morris Community High School with the Class of 1949.

On October 8, 1949, Jodi married Edward Wawczak in Morris. Together, they built a loving home and raised their family, sharing many years of devotion and commitment.

In addition to being a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, Jodi worked throughout the years at several local establishments including being co-owner of M-HI Restaurant, Humiston-Keeling, Trader Rix Bar & Grill, Echo Lanes, and Toli’s. She was well known for her strong work ethic, friendly nature, and the relationships she formed with coworkers and patrons alike.

Jodi enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and the friendships that came with them. She especially loved playing bingo with her “Golden Girl” friends, baking delicious homemade pies, and making what many considered the best potato salad around. She also took great pride in bowling and spent many years participating in leagues at Echo Lanes in Morris.

Jodi will be remembered for her warm heart, steadfast dedication to her family, and the joy she brought to those around her.

Jodi was the wife of Edward Wawczak; mother to: Debbie Olsen (Dana) of Morris, Rick Wawczak (Janice) of Williamsburg, IA, and Cathy Fleetwood (Randy) and Tom Wawczak (Lisa), both of Morris; grandmother of: Eric Olsen, Damen Olsen (Kristen) and Adam Olsen all of Morris, Jennifer Young (Rob) Cedar Rapids, IA, Jason Wawczak (Hannah) of Amana, IA, Matt Fleetwood (Amanda LaRocca) of Bloomington, IL and Cole Wawczak and Evan Wawczak, of Morris; great grandmother to: Karys Gay (Andy), Dakota Olsen and Keihn Olsen, all of Morris, Kaci Impson (Cody) of Marengo, IA, Isaac Young of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Hudson Wawczak , Henley Wawczak, Hazy Wawczak and Hayden Junko, all of Amana, IA; great-great grandmother of: Silas Decker and Essek Gay of Morris and Maisie Impson of Marengo IA; sister to George Mitchell, Orville Mitchell, Reynold (Rink), William Mitchell, Jeanette Ryder, Anna Mae McArdle, Leonard Mitchell, Tessebelle Mitchell, Veola Mitchell, Mary Jane Luck, Marjorie Konc, and Richard (Dick) Mitchell; cousin of Tom Turner, and aunt to Jane (Joe) Murphy, Dale (Fran) Ryder, David (Sandy) Ryder, Janet (Ed) Wakeman, Brent (Penny) McArdle, Beth (Bruce) Morgan, Patti (Rodney) Johnson, Sandy (Ken) Engstrom, Maria Matesevac, Annette (Steve) Vertin, Louis (Carol) Konc, Sonny (Peggy) Konc, Donna (Jim) Schumann, John (Debbie) Konc, Jackie (John) Martin, Rich Mitchell, Twyla (John) Staehling, Leonard Mitchell, Joyce (Jewel) Buttry, Scott Mitchell, Patsy Koehen, Denny Mitchell, Bill (Mary Lou) Mitchell, Barb (Ron) Rath, Betty Jean (Martin) Crawford.

Jodi was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward; one grandson Evan Wawczak; all of her siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block east of Illinois Route 47) in Morris on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until time of memorial service, 2:00 p.m. Jodi’s nephew, Brent McArdle will officiate, and she will be laid to rest in Sample Cemetery alongside her late husband and grandson at a later date.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Joan’s memory to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Joan’s memorial page on social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-2500)