Joan M. Zoladz, age 96, of Valparaiso and formerly a 72 year resident of New Chicago passed away Saturday, February 06, 2016 at Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso. She was born on November 7, 1919 in Gary Indiana to the late Walter and Frances (Nee Buczkowski) Marcinkowski. Joan was raised on a farm in Liberty Twp. where she developed her hard no nonsense work ethic. She would always tell stories of the chores she had to do before and after school. Joan graduated from Liberty Twp. School in 1937. Joan worked as a nannie for families in Chicago and Gary prior to her marriage to Joseph Zoladz on October 4, 1940 at the Old St. Paul's Church in Valparaiso. Joan worked as a waitress and hostess for the Ridge Road Gardens and the Country Lounge in Hobart for over 25 years. She was the "Scrabble Queen", willing to drop everything for a game. She enjoyed water walking at the YMCA where she was a member. Joan was a lifelong member of Assumption BVM Church in New Chicago. She drove her car well into her nineties.

Joan is survived by her three sons, James (Valarie) Zoladz of Cincinnati, Ohio, Walter (Karen) Zoladz of Simpsonville, South Carolina and Philip (Janette) Zoladz of Valparaiso; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and many other loving family members and friends.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Zoladz; her infant son, Charles; her parents; three brothers, Edward, Vincent and Raymond Marcinkowski and two sisters, Helen Kado and Josephine Nallenger.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joan will be celebrated on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 10:00 am at Assumption BVM Church, 3530 Illinois Street, Hobart, Indiana 46342 with Rev. Lourdu Pasala officiating, beginning with 9:30am prayers at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana 46342 then processing to church. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. A visitation for Joan will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 from 4 to 8 pm with a 4:30 pm Prayer Service at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel.

Joan always said "Buy me flowers while I can see and smell them." Therefore in lieu of flowers please buy flowers for someone you love or donate in Joan's memory to the Hobart YMCA.