Joan "Joni" Kay Olson

KEWANEE – Joan “Joni” Kay Olson, 79, of Kewanee, died at her home on Friday, December 31, 2021, as a result of COVID-19.

She was born August 2, 1942 in Kewanee, the daughter of Warren and Olive (Jones) Holz. She attended Wethersfield Schools. Joni was formerly married to Francis “Buddy” Van Stechelman (deceased) and Larry Olson of Kewanee.

She had worked for the Kewanee Hotel in housekeeping, Negley’s Laundromat and caring for neighbors and friends who needed help. Her most favorite and rewarding job was raising her children. Joni enjoyed mowing her lawn, gardening (especially flowers), family get-togethers and decorating her house inside and out for Christmas. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Kewanee.

Joni is survived by her children; Judy Van Stechelman-Hand (Jim Hartman) of Galva, Jackie Culverhouse of Waco, TX, Amber Brock and Angie (Mike) Bodine, both of Kewanee, Eric Olson of Sheffield and Inger Olson, a son-in-law, Donnie Brock of Galva, twelve grandchildren; Brandi, Cristina, Holly, TJ, Dustin, Logan, Shady, Makayla, Anabel, Danny, Gabby and China, thirteen great grandchildren; Miranda, Damien, Jacob, Drake Hartman, Reilly, Victoria, Emily, Kaden, Alivia, Anastasia, Drake F., Aurora and Roman and one great-great grandchild, Lucas. She is also survived by two sisters, Peggy Bevans and Donna Wexell, both of Kewanee and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Daniel “Danny” Van Stechelman, her sister, Sandy and two nephews, Jimmy Dunn and Steve Rule.

Joni’s wishes were to be cremated; so at this time, due to the weather and the COVID-19 pandemic her children have decided to wait until spring to have a Celebration of Life in their mom’s honor.

Her daughters would like to thank hospice and Henry County Health Department Home Care for all they did to make their mom’s life easier.

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