Joann Jacobs Burton

Joann Jacobs Burton, age 93, of Freeport, IL and Sun City, AZ passed away peacefully March 18, 2025, surrounded by family. Joey, as she was affectionately known, was preceded in death by her parents Julius Brown and Irene Rau Brown, her brother Don, and her first husband, Curt Jacobs. She was born in Horicon, WI on November 26, 1931.

She is survived by her husband Gene, and children, Scott (Sally), Jim (Margie), Jon (Carol) and Bob (Kathy) and grandchildren, Curtis, Zachary (Christine), Lindsay (Keith), Lauren (Alex), and Bobby. She was also blessed with 7 great grandchildren (Miles, Quinn, and Simone, Reid, Evie, Lucy, and Andie).

She has been a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Freeport since 1966.

Joey absolutely lived life to the fullest. After graduating from Horicon High School as Valedictorian, she received her BS from the University of Wisconsin where she graduated cum laude and studied Economics and English. She developed a love of the Badgers and made lifelong Tri-Delta sorority friends. She would go back for football games regularly and especially loved watching the Wisconsin marching band.

She stayed in touch with her sorority sisters from UW and other friends from Oconomowoc, who she played Bridge with nearly every month until very recently. She also made many close friends in Sun City and enjoyed playing there as well. Bridge was a passion that not only challenged her mentally (She loved duplicate) but more importantly she appreciated the social aspect of the game.

While raising four rambunctious boys during the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, she also launched a very successful 20+ year career in banking and retired as the Vice President of the State Bank of Freeport. She was a very strong leader who loved to challenge herself and others to reach their potential, while building a culture of success. She always referred to her colleagues at the bank as her second family.

Joey also managed to find time to give back. She was involved with Amity Society, PEO, United Way, YMCA, Kiwanis, Assistance League, and many more.

Joey raised a golf family. Although she never claimed to be a great golfer, she loved her time on the course with family and friends, first at Oconomowoc Golf Club and then at the Freeport Country Club.

Joey and Gene lived life to the fullest. They split time between Freeport and AZ, zig zagging their way around the country and traveled around Europe on multiple occasions. The final time across the pond was in their late 80’s and 90’s.

She was most proud of her family. She kept close tabs on her boys, loved visits from her grandchildren, tried not to miss any significant events, and especially enjoyed her precious time with each of them. She also enjoyed knitting beautiful and unique sweaters and blankets that have already been passed through the generations. She had a flair for style that all the girls in the family appreciated.

The two words most heard to describe Joey are strong and positive. She always saw the bright side and had a very strong faith. God Bless you Grandma Joey.

Services will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Freeport, IL, on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Visitation will be held 10:00 – noon. Service will be at noon followed by the ceremony at Oakland Cemetery. Everyone is welcome to join the family back at Prince of Peace for lunch.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society as a recipient of your gift.