Joanne Alitis Bahnsen passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2020, in Bloomington, IL, at the age of 91. Joanne was a native of Chicago, IL, born to Gilbert and Lois Field Alitis. She attended both Purdue University and the University of Illinois, where she met her future husband, Allan Bahnsen. They raised their family in Markham, IL, a south suburb of Chicago. In Joanne’s later years, she was a resident of Rio Rancho, NM, and finally Bloomington, IL.
While a homemaker raising five children, “Jo” was also active in her community, serving in the PTA and as a Girl Scout troop leader. She later worked for the school district as well as in sales jobs. Jo also had a passion for acting, singing, and dancing in a local community theater group along with her husband, Al. Her other interests included playing Bridge, golf, and the meanest hand of four-handed solitaire you ever saw. Throughout their life together, Jo and Al enjoyed an active social life with many friends.
Jo is survived by her sister, Barbara (George) Hecox; children Steve (Beverly) Bahnsen, Jeff (Lynda) Bahnsen, Barb Lange, Chuck Bahnsen and Marcia Swallow; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 60 years, Al, her sister Nancy Whitehead, and sons-in-law Bob Lange and Rick Dyke.
Friends and family members knew Jo as a great card player and a wonderful listener and conversationalist. She will be missed by all.
Services will be private and at a later date. Those who wish to honor Joanne are encouraged to send a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite charity.
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