JoAnn (Sykora) Brown

August 14, 1934 – February 10, 2024

JoAnn Brown, age 89, passed away February 10, 2024, at the Rock Haven Skilled Nursing Facility in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Born in Perry, Oklahoma on August 14, 1934, she was the daughter of William F. and Mary Ann (Jilek) Sykora. She attended and graduated from high school in Perry.

On June 6, 1951, at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Perry, Oklahoma, JoAnn married Robert Allen Brown of Janesville, Wisconsin. Robert was an active-duty member of the United States Air Force serving at Vance Air Force Base in Enid when they married. JoAnn and Robert were blessed with 3 children. Their eldest, a daughter, Carol, was born in Perry, Oklahoma. Their 2 sons, Richard and Stephan, were born in Janesville, Wisconsin where the couple settled once Robert was honorably discharged from the Air Force.

JoAnn was a stay-at-home Mom until the kids were in school. She then embarked on her 34-year career with the Parker Pen Corporation in Janesville. During her career at Parker Pen, JoAnn successfully worked in many departments and was proud to have ended her career as the International Shipping Coordinator.

After retiring, JoAnn was an active volunteer for the Mercyhealth System and St. John Vianney. She also loved to play bridge and euchre whenever possible.

Preceding her in death were: her parents; husband, Robert; son-in-law, Jan Helgesonand; and 3 sisters, Maxine Rescke, Arlene Keating and Betty McNeal.

Survivors include: her daughter,Carol Helgeson; sons, and Stephan (Kim) Brown of Janesville and Richard (Teresa) Brown of Boise, ID; 4 grandchildren, Jason (Lizz) Helgeson, Nicole (Nick) Scarpello, Travis Brown and Troy (Becky) Cox; and 9 great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 16, 2023 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Janesville, Wisconsin. Inurnment will take place at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Janesville.