Joan Marilyn (Evers) Strabala

JOAN MARILYN (EVERS) STRABALA

Eagle, Colo.

Joan Marilyn (Evers) Strabala, loving mother, sister and grandmother, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, at the age of 77 in Eagle, Colo. Joan was born on Feb. 4, 1942, the first child to Lee and Irene (Schuster) Evers. Joan grew up in Bankston, New Vienna and Ryan, Iowa, and graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1960. After graduation, Joan worked in Cedar Rapids, where she met a young engineering student named Martin Strabala. Joan and Martin were married on Sept. 5, 1964, in Ryan, Iowa. They had two children, Linda Kay and Dale John. In 1974, the family moved to Peoria, Ill., where Martin worked for Caterpillar Inc. Joan began working toward her bachelor's degree at Illinois State University, where she graduated with an accounting degree in 1977. On July 28, 1979, Joan and Martin were involved in a private plane crash and Martin passed away from his injuries.

Joan worked for 20-plus years as a trust officer at Commerce Bank in Peoria, Ill. She was an active member of American Business Women's Association. She retired in 2002. In retirement, Joan enjoyed spending time with family and traveling with her partner, the late Carl Kovacovich. Joan was known for her infectious laugh and fun-loving spirit.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Linda (David) Zilar of Edwards, Colo.; her son, Dale (Jenny) Strabala of Indianapolis; her two sisters, Janice (Scott) Henderson and Donna (the late Chester) Fink; six grandchildren, Jeremy (Juliette) Zilar, Kelly (Curtis) Fleischhacker, Kaylin Zilar, Grace Strabala, Jack Strabala and Rose Strabala; two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service and burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery in Manchester, Iowa. Memorial donations in memory of Joan can be made to St. Mary's Cemetery, 119 W. Fayette St., Manchester, IA 52057.