Joann Love, 92, of Rock Island, IL passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at home.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Church of Peace, Rock Island. Visitation will be from 10-11am in the Fellowship Hall with the memorial service immediately following at 11:00 am. A private interment will be in Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joann's memory, to the Church of Peace United Church of Christ – Food Panty, 1114 12th St., Rock Island, IL 61201.

Joann was born on February 14, 1932 in Brazil, IN, the daughter of Byron and Waneta (Hall) Catterlin. She married John C. Love on March 24, 1956 in Brazil, IN. They lived in Brazil, IN; Wooster, OH (where all three children were born); and Lima, OH. In 1966 they moved to Rock Island, where they raised their family and remained for the rest of their lives.

Joann attended Black Hawk College and Augustana College, graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduation she began teaching in the Rockridge School District at Taylor Ridge Elementary School as a 3rd grade teacher and reading specialist. During that time she attended Western Illinois University, earning her Master's degree in Education. Her passion for teaching did not stop with children. Joann also taught at the Rock Island Alpha Center in the evenings, helping adults earn their GED. Her love for her students and witnessing their success in the classroom was a tremendous source of joy until her retirement in 1996.

Joann stayed busy in retirement as she immersed herself in out-of-town visits with her children and grandchildren. As a volunteer she thoroughly enjoyed helping in the baby nursery at Unity Point Health-Trinity and assisting with the Church of Peace Food Pantry. In Joann's free time she loved making quilts for family and friends and going to Saturday movie matinees with her lifelong dear friends, Judy Linn and Shirley Suarez.

Joann was a member of the Church of Peace Women's Guild/Martha Rolf Circle, Mississippi Valley Quilter's Club, ACBL Bridge Club, and the Black Hawk Retired Teachers Association. Joann's kindness and generous spirit touched so many lives.

Those left to cherish Joann's memory include her children, Tom (Debra) Love, Sterling, VA, Mary (Brad) Vignatelli, Lenexa, KS and Bob (Lisa) Love, Austin, TX; six grandchildren, Dylan (Alla) Love, Austin, TX, Hannah (Ernie) Golen, Bend, OR, Nicholas (Blair) Vignatelli, Leawood, KS, Kathryn Vignatelli, Overland Park, KS, Josie Vignatelli (Tom), Austin, TX, and Gianni Love, Austin, TX; and six great-grandchildren, Andrew and Ellis Golen, Jack, Hadley, and Chloe Vignatelli and Leo Love.

Joann was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

The family wishes to express our most sincere gratitude to Cindy and Mike Bosold, Connie Thomas, Kami Dailing, Carey Cavins, Anne Bosold, and Susie Schneider, as well as the many other caregivers and friends who helped both of our parents and family maneuver through the last years of their lives with dignity and love. We will be forever grateful.

Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com.