1952
Joanne
2025
Joanne Peak
September 7, 1952 — July 12, 2025
In Loving Memory – Joanne Leigh (Knutson) Peak
Through tear-filled eyes, we announce the passing of our mom Joanne, 72, of Loves Park, IL. Joanne passed peacefully on Saturday, July 12, at 4:49 pm surrounded by the love of her family. Joanne never met a stranger, and she touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and genuine warmth.
Born September 7, 1952, to Keith and Julianna (Burdick) Knutson and raised in Machesney Park, she attended Harlem High School and was part of the 1970 graduating class. During her time in school, she was very social, forming many friendships and enjoyed reconnecting with childhood friends on social media in recent years.
Joanne married and raised her four children in Loves Park. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest pride and her love for them was evident. She often loved to share stories and pictures of their achievements. Joanne loved being a stay-at-home-mom and created a space where her children felt supported and nurtured. She embraced a new chapter of returning to work once her children were older where she formed lasting friendships at NMS, Market USA, and Lifetouch.
She was a deeply spiritual person who found comfort in her faith. She believed in angels, and carried their presence with her in the way she lived – with quiet grace, hope, and endless love. Now, we take comfort in the thought that she is among them, watching over us as she always did in life.
She is survived by her children, Michelle (Chad) Daehne, Brandon Joyes, Heather (Chuck) Hobson, and Taryn (Kevin) Mount; grandchildren, Kahli (Scott) Houdek, Colin (Shantel) Hobson, Zander Hobson, Peyton Nicosia, and Dane Mount; great-grandchildren, Alivia Hobson, Allysyn Hobson, Isaiah Hobson, Julianne Houdek, Gabriel Hobson, and Noah Hobson; siblings, twin-sister Dianne (Paul) Kelly, Terry Knutson, and Kurt Knutson; nephews, Michael Meyers, Robert (Danielle) Schlichting, Travis (Holly) Schlichting; niece, Kristen Musick; and very close friend and prior husband Terrance Dodds.
Predeceased by her parents, brother Keith "Buddy" Knutson and her husband Gary Peak.
A celebration of her life will be held at Rock Cut State Park, one of her favorite places and where she spent so many peaceful moments with her family. The gathering will take place on her birthday, September 7, 2025 from 11am-2pm at the Bay View Picnic Shelter and all who knew her are welcome to join in honoring her memory. In lieu of flowers, her children ask that you honor her memory by doing something kind for someone else – just as she so often did.
Through tear-filled eyes, we announce the passing of our mom Joanne, 72, of Loves Park, IL. Joanne passed peacefully on Saturday, July 12, at 4:49 pm surrounded by the love of her family. Joanne never met a stranger, and she touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and genuine warmth.
Born September 7, 1952, to Keith and Julianna (Burdick) Knutson and raised in Machesney Park, she attended Harlem High School and was part of the 1970 graduating class. During her time in school, she was very social, forming many friendships and enjoyed reconnecting with childhood friends on social media in recent years.
Joanne married and raised her four children in Loves Park. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest pride and her love for them was evident. She often loved to share stories and pictures of their achievements. Joanne loved being a stay-at-home-mom and created a space where her children felt supported and nurtured. She embraced a new chapter of returning to work once her children were older where she formed lasting friendships at NMS, Market USA, and Lifetouch.
She was a deeply spiritual person who found comfort in her faith. She believed in angels, and carried their presence with her in the way she lived – with quiet grace, hope, and endless love. Now, we take comfort in the thought that she is among them, watching over us as she always did in life.
She is survived by her children, Michelle (Chad) Daehne, Brandon Joyes, Heather (Chuck) Hobson, and Taryn (Kevin) Mount; grandchildren, Kahli (Scott) Houdek, Colin (Shantel) Hobson, Zander Hobson, Peyton Nicosia, and Dane Mount; great-grandchildren, Alivia Hobson, Allysyn Hobson, Isaiah Hobson, Julianne Houdek, Gabriel Hobson, and Noah Hobson; siblings, twin-sister Dianne (Paul) Kelly, Terry Knutson, and Kurt Knutson; nephews, Michael Meyers, Robert (Danielle) Schlichting, Travis (Holly) Schlichting; niece, Kristen Musick; and very close friend and prior husband Terrance Dodds.
Predeceased by her parents, brother Keith "Buddy" Knutson and her husband Gary Peak.
A celebration of her life will be held at Rock Cut State Park, one of her favorite places and where she spent so many peaceful moments with her family. The gathering will take place on her birthday, September 7, 2025 from 11am-2pm at the Bay View Picnic Shelter and all who knew her are welcome to join in honoring her memory. In lieu of flowers, her children ask that you honor her memory by doing something kind for someone else – just as she so often did.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joanne Peak, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors