Joan A. Newkirk

Joan A. (Schoger) Newkirk, 93, of Eureka, IL passed away on July 2, 2024. Joan was born on September 8, 1930 in Aurora, IL to Harold and Dorothy (Hermes) Gary Sr.

Joan married Clarence Schoger in 1948. She loved the farm and the animals. She also had obtained her pilots license for small aircraft and helicopters and was a member of the Ninety-Nine International organization of licensed women pilots and the Whirly-Girls. She also obtained her Real Estate license in Illinois and Florida. Joan married her second husband in 1975 and spent 40 years together. Joan also ran a post office and travel business in Florida, opened and ran Sunny Ridge Realty and Sun Construction, as well as become a Pharmacy Tech after passing her test at 80!! She also loved animals and ran Orchard Lawn and Garden Center. She was fearless and there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do.

Not only was she good at everything that she did, Joan was also a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was a good listener and was full of wisdom when giving advice.

Joan is survived by 4 children, Michael (Diane) Schoger of Winslow, IL, Joanna (Charles) Sondgeroth of Sandwich, IL, Victoria (John) Hartter of Morton, IL and Joseph (Nina) Newkirk of Jasper, TX; 14 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Joy Gary and Donna Gary; As well as several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; First husband, Clarence Schoger; Second husband, Leroy “Ed” Newkirk; And 4 brothers, Gene Gary, Dean Gary, Harold Gary Jr. and Noel Gary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to the donor’s choice of either the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandwich, IL.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St. Sandwich, IL 60548. A Rosary service will be held at 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home. A visitation will also be held next day, Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 9:00 – 10:00 A.M. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 340 W. Arnold St. Sandwich, IL 60548. A funeral mass will follow at 10:00 A.M. at the church with a precession following out to Lincoln Memorial Park in Aurora, IL. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com