Joanne Rabenau

JoAnne Rabenau, 86, of Galesburg, died at 1:30 a.m. Thursday, December 24, 2020 at OSF Richard Owens Hospice House, Peoria. JoAnne was born December 15, 1934 in Chicago, the daughter of Joseph and Alice (Smith) Jonaitis.  She married C. Thomas Rabenau on December 20, 1952 in Galesburg.  He preceded her in death on January 26, 2007.  JoAnne is survived by four sons, Terry (Tina) Rabenau of Peoria, Mike (Maryann) Rabenau of St. Petersburg Beach, FL, Tom (Gail) Rabenau of Galesburg, and Joe (Barb) Rabenau of Dahinda; one daughter, Jan (Mike) Haynes of Galesburg; 12 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren.  Along with her parents and husband, JoAnne was preceded in death by one brother; one sister; and two grandsons. JoAnne worked in the billing department at Burlington Northern for 25 years prior to retiring.  When the children were growing up JoAnne and Tom enjoyed numerous camping trips as a family.   She was known to many as the neighborhood mom.  She enjoyed attending flea markets and train shows. Cremation rites will be accorded.  Graveside services will be held once COVID restrictions are lifted.  Burial will be at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to OSF Richard Owens Hospice House or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.