Obituary: Joan Nurczyk

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Joan Nurczyk (nee Postel)

Joan Nurczyk (nee Postel), age 71, of Elwood, IL, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care. She was born on November 21, 1954, in Joliet, IL to Raymond and Clare (nee McCarthy) Postel.

Joan is survived by the love of her life, Ronald Nurczyk, whom she just celebrated 32 years of marriage with on July 30. His love, support, and care were Joan’s greatest comforts. She is also survived by her siblings, James (Teri Onderison) Postel, Mary (Robert) Nemanich, Nancy Murphy, Rita Postel, Dan (Barbara) Postel, Ann (Mike) Scully, and Leo (Brigitte) Postel; nieces and nephews, Amy (Bernard) Koontz, Greg Postel, Sarah (Peter) Youngs, Todd (Carrol Hand) Nemanich, Mark Nemanich, Ross Nemanich, Michelle Murphy, Sarah A. Postel, Trina (Jerome) Semoes, Nicholas Postel, Shannon (Matthew) Orlando, Rick (Rachel) Backensto, Adam Rodriguez, Cassandra (McKenney IV) Davis, Kelli Clement, Kaylee (Al) D’Amico, Olivia (AJ) Egner, Tristan (Megan) Leger, Ellia Leger, and Collin (Alexandria) Leger;step-children, Ryan (Colleen) Nurczyk, Justin (Nicole) Nurczyk, Todd (Meg) Heiman, and Missi (Mike) Wyant; step-grandchildren, Haley, Ava, and Ella Nurczyk, Kooper, Chase, and Teagan Nurczyk, Mike, Pat, Mark, and Josh Heiman, and Kalie, Jenna, Amanda, Alexa, and Madison.

Survivors also include her great nieces and nephews, Felix, Xavier, and Max Koontz, Athena and Cora Nemanich, and Penelope Hand Nemanich, Ashley (William) McCauley, Zach, Emma, and Chris Allen, Seth and Brennen Semoes, Aiden and Gwen Orlando, Libby Backensto, Noah and Abraham Rodriguez, McKenney V, Richard, and baby Caleb Davis due to arrive soon; Xayla Olsen, and Logan and Charlotte D’Amico; great-great nieces and nephews, Madison and Liam McCauley; and her special godchildren, Kelli Clement, Xayla Olsen, and Richard Davis. Her special friends, Sharon Kramerich of 61 years, as well as Sue Gregory and Renee Benson also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond (1991) and Clare (2009) Postel; brothers, John Postel (2005) and Michael Postel (2024); nieces, Kristine Murphy (2001) and Nicole Murphy (1972); and her father-and-mother-in-law, William (1994) and Catherine (2010) Nurczyk.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. in Joliet, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan’s name can be made to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care,St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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