Joanne Elizabeth Stortz

Joanne Elizabeth Stortz, 89, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Pleasant View Lutheran Home.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 15, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 16, at 10:30am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, with Msgr. Mark Merdian officiating. There will be no visitation or prayers on Saturday morning, only Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis Church. Entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park. 

Joanne was born September 7, 1934, in Ottawa, IL, to John and Mary (O'Donnell) Walsh. She married John "Jack" Stortz on August 20, 1960 at St. Columba Church in Ottawa. He passed away February 2, 2016. 

Joanne was a mother and homemaker until her children were off to college when she started her business, The Punkin Patch, a children's clothing store. She owned and operated it from 1983 until 1997. She adored her grandchildren, and always attended their sporting events and activities. She enjoyed wintering in Longboat Key, FL with her husband for many years. She was a great story teller and had a laugh that would brighten a room. 

She is survived by her children, Jodi (Brian) Porter and Jay (Kris Tuuk) Stortz; her grandchildren, Jake Stortz, Trent Porter, and Maddie Porter, as well as Ethan, Noah and Emma Tuuk; and her sister, Margaret "Marge" Aubry. 

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary; her husband of 55 years, Jack Stortz; and her siblings, Mary Irene Walsh, Rita Pillion, Catherine Harmon, Leo Walsh, and Tom "Bud" Walsh.

Memorials may be directed to the LaSalle County Historical Society or the Ronald McDonald House charities.

Pallbearers will be Jake Stortz, Trent Porter, David Aubry, Steve Aubry, Dan Aubry, Paul Aubry, John Walsh, and Nathan Holland.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.