Mrs. Joanne Antekeier's Obituary
Mrs. Joanne Antekeier, 92, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022, in Muskegon. She was born August 2, 1930, in Muskegon to Norbert and Florence (McLean) Bialik and was a lifelong resident. As a young girl growing up in Muskegon, she took full advantage of Lake Michigan, Muskegon Lake, and the sand dunes. She was also quite the athlete. At age 18, she made the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League called the Muskegon Lassies during WWII. She played in a competitive volleyball league every Tuesday night for over 20 years, and then started playing Wallyball. She also won first place in an iron skillet throwing contest. She was a tough lady. Joanne was always a creative person. She made fashionable beaded/jeweled socks for her grandkids. She crocheted many Afghans, and later in life knitted many warm winter hats and scarfs. Most recently, her craft of choice was jewelry making. She has made close to 500 bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, and even wire wrapped some gemstones for rings. She also loved coloring with gel pens, and created colorful postcards, Christmas cards, magnets, and other artwork. She loved when anyone came to visit, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids, and nobody ever left hungry! On November 22, 1951, Joanne married Ronald A. Antekeier, and he preceded her in death on December 23, 2014. Survivors include four children: Steve (Rhonda) Antekeier, Leischen (John) Krause, Paula (Mike) Upman, Erin (David) Schonhard; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Jeanne Baumflek; two brothers, David (Susan) Bialik, Roger (Laurie) Bialik. She was also preceded in death by two brothers: Jack Hopkins and James Bialik. A service to celebrate and remember Joanne’s life will be held Tuesday, December 27, at 11:00 AM at the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Antekeier may be made to Meals on Wheels Muskegon, 560 Seminole Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444.
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