Joan Sykstus Bzdon passed away after a two-year illness on April 18, 2026. She enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilling life of 80 years. 

Born in Chicago on September 1, 1945, Joan was a lifelong resident of Chicago. Her great loves were her husband, Larry Bzdon, a retired Chicago firefighter who passed away two years prior to Joan, and her dog, Buddy. Joan and Larry raised pure bred rottweilers and always had one during the entirety of their 39-year marriage. 

Joan graduated from Carl Schurz High School in 1963. Following high school, Joan attended Loyola University in Chicago where she graduated with honors in 1967. Following graduation, Joan worked for the State of Illinois in the immigration division where she retired after 30 years of service. Joan loved her home in Norwood Park, and she was very grateful and appreciative to have such great neighbors and close friendships over her many years there.

Joan will be remembered by family and friends as a woman of strength, grace, tenacity, resilience, passion, and determination. She was a smart and strong woman who enjoyed every aspect of her life.

Joan is survived by her nephews, Ron Sykstus (Patty), John Sykstus (Moira), Bill Sykstus (Chris), her sister-in-law, Sister Marcianne Bzdon, her second cousin, Mark Pukal (Amy) and several grand nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Adeline Rekosiewicz, her brother, Ron Sykstus, her sister-in-law, Diane Sykstus, and her cousins, Diane Pukal (Ron) and Ted Sykstus (Marilyn). Also, a special thank you to Tess Cruz, Joan’s caregiver, who took wonderful care of Joan over the past two years.

A graveside service followed by a celebration of life gathering for both Joan and Larry Bzdon will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 2pm at St. Adalbert’s Cemetery, (Section 37 right at the bend in the service road) located at 6800 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Niles, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Recycled Rotts, Inc., a Rottweiler rescue organization, in loving memory of Joan Bzdon.

Donations may be made at www.recycledrotts.org or by mail to: Recycled Rotts, Inc., P.O. Box 1082, Oswego, IL 60543