Joan Baclene Filipkowski OBITUARY

Joan Baclene Filipkowski OBITUARY

Joan Baclene Filipkowski (Phillips) passed away May 13, 2026. Born January 5, 1951, in Roseland, IL. She attended Pullman School, Fenger High and Jones Commercial. She and husband John Filipkowski(died 2021) and their beloved cats called the north side (Lake View) home for 50 years. Weekends were spent in her second home at Lake Shaffer, IN, with the Toczyl family where she boated, entertained friends, and prepared her reknowned Thanksgiving feasts. She claimed her third home was the baggage claim at O’Hare.

Joan retired from an award-winning career at Hilton International as Director of Sales. Travels took her to over 100 countries where she was often joined by John. She spent retirement enjoying Lake Michigan, volunteering, archiving family photos and history, and sharing cherished Sunday dinners, lunches, and moments with friends. Joan was a long time Bear season ticket holder.

Joan is survived by sisters, Susan (Bob) Fee and Julie (Jeff White) Baclene; brother, Jan (Tanja) Baclene; nieces, Jamie (Mike) Cline and family; Lynn Toczyl, and Barbara (Palmer) Radbel Meyer. She was preceded in death by her husband, her mother Ruth Baclene, father Frank Baclene, and sister Kathy. Friends can pay their respects May 20, 3 to 7 pm at Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, Lansing, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Catcade, 624 W Belmont Ave.