Joan C. Strachota-Link Formerly of Porter Beach IN. Passed away in Omaha, NE April 3rd. Preceded in death by husband(s) Frank Strachota & Frederick Link. Mother Helen Radous, Father Robert Lichtenberger & sister Marlene DiChiarro. Survived by Children Kurt (Becky) Strachota, Lynn (Dave) Sorich Omaha, NE, Scott (Lisa) Strachota Carol Stream IL, Dana Strachota Maui HI. Step-Son Alfred (Ellen) Link of Boston, Mass, two-step daughters, Nick (Barry) Kilzer of Carmel Valley, Calif. and Antoinette (Win) Robinson of Charlotte, N.C.; Numerous grandchildren. Sister Roberta Shaw. Brothers Fred Lichtenberger, Tom Korinek, Joan attended Steinmeitz High School where she was a member of the group “The JUGS” and chosen The Most Athletic Girl her Sophomore Year. Shortly after, her family moved to Lyons where she attended and graduated from Morton High School in 1952 where she was crowned Miss Morton and 1st Runner up for “M” Queen. She was dubbed one of the most elegant swimmers in high school and shortly after became a member of and traveled with the Sam Snyder Water Follies of 1954. She also held the title of “Miss Polaroid” and was selected as the alternate of the “Miss Cicero-Berwyn” Pageant. In the mid 50’s she was hired as a Stewardess for American Airlines where she flew for several years…flying charters for (at the time) Senator John F. Kennedy and Five National baseball teams. After becoming “grounded” she became a member of the KIWI Club, an association of retired flight attendants. She met and married the love of her life, Frank Strachota. He was employed as Treasurer of Loyola University. Together they had 4 children. They resided in Riverside, until 1979 when they moved to Omaha NE where Frank took a job at Creighton University. Frank died in 1985 and Joan moved back to the Chicago area where she met/married Attorney Frederick Link and moved to Porter, IN. After Fred passed away in 2005, she moved back to Omaha. Family and friends were the cornerstone of her life. Joan recently passed away from a short illness, and although we will miss her so, she will forever live in our hearts and our memories will be eternally touched by having her in our lives. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, April 16th at St. Mary’s Church in Riverside, IL at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Memorials to Make a Wish Foundation or the Hospice House, 7415 Cedar St. Omaha, NE 68124, www.hospicehouseomaha.org
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