Joan Irene Breunig

Joan Irene Breunig , 86, of Sandwich, IL passed away after a brief illness Sunday, September 8, 2013 at Seasons Hospice in Naperville, IL. Joan was born June 4, 1927 in Sandwich, IL the daughter of Ernest and Lillian (Klotz) Mueller. She graduated from Sandwich High School in 1945. Joan graduated from Copley School of Nursing in Aurora. She worked as a nurse at Sandwich Community Hospital for several years. Joan married Robert LeRoy Breunig on September 9, 1950 in Sandwich, IL (They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2000.) Together with Bob they raised their two boys (Steve and Joe) in Sandwich, IL. Joan was the quintessential matriarch. She was intentional in the happenings of all that a family life encompasses. She loved her family and it showed with her smile, chipper attitude and actions. When the boys were young she’d whistle a tune to wake them. Joan enjoyed preparing gourmet meals and planning family parties. She loved the hunt for special gifts for those in her circle. She had a flair for fashion, and added a stylish pop to wherever she was heading. Joan joyfully spent oodles of hours at Steve and Joe’s sport events. In turn she’d be cooking late night dinners. While waiting (to eat) dialogue would fly around the kitchen table about the outcome of the event or athletic endeavors. Joan was one who really watched the Chicago Bears & Cubs faithfully. Even after all the boys were gone from the house you could still hear the chatter of sport announcers coming from the TV. The family enjoyed many summers at the Lake Delavan cottages in Wisconsin with cousins, and friends. Cookouts and holiday gatherings with extended family were festive and highly anticipated. For many years Joan golfed with Bob and girlfriends out at Edgebrook Country Club. Many Florida vacations were planned for golf as the highlight. Joan enjoyed needle point. She had a special spot in the front room by the window where she sipped morning coffee and listened to the local radio while working on her needle point projects. She leaves behind a passel of beautiful pieces…pillows, wall prints, tree skirts and Christmas ornaments that display her handy work. For many years Joan played the organ for personal fun, and once in a while she’d play a tune for you. She enjoyed her community; the Sandwich Fair, the parades, antiquing shows and dining out in the area. Joan found great delight in her grandchildren. They knew she adored them. Joan, aka “Prunes” to the boys leaves many happy memories threaded in their hearts. God blessed us with Joan.

Joan is survived by her sons: Stephen (Beverly) of Grapevine, TX and Joseph (Brenda) of Sandwich, IL; Grandchildren: Taylor and Austin of Sandwich, and Lindsey of Grapevine, TX; a sister, Jean (Ace) Hanson of Sandwich, IL and a brother, Robert (Sharon) Mueller of Indian Head Park, IL and many nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Bob.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Burkhart-Eighner Funeral Home in Sandwich, IL with Rev. Wayne Derber officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, Sandwich, IL. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at funeral home in Sandwich. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to any community charity. The family thanks the ladies from Integrity Senior Care for their past help over the years.