- Date Of Birth: June 12, 1931
- Date Of Death: February 19, 2022
- State: Illinois
Joan B. (Watts) Salzman, 90, of Ottawa, peacefully transitioned to eternal life on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, surrounded by her family. Joan was born on June 12, 1931, in Peru, Ill. to Joseph and Nola (Logan) Watts. She graduated from Ottawa Township High School and then attended the University of Illinois. She graduated from the National College of Education and became a devoted kindergarten teacher.
Joan married Harold Salzman on June 24, 1956, at Deer Park Community Church. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Marie Peterson Circle, and the Monday Club. Joan enjoyed volunteering with 4-H, canning, reading, gardening, and being outdoors. More than anything, Joan loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Mama” always enjoyed officiating the family’s summertime “Bass Classic” Fishing Tournament in Minocqua, Wisconsin, which yielded far more wonderful memories than prize-winning fish.
Joan is survived by two children; Tom (Jacki) Salzman and Sally (David) Mathis, of Ottawa; four grandchildren, Lindsey (Ryan) Bell, Sarah (Shane) Severson, Mathew (Erica) Mathis, and Andrew Mathis; four great-grandchildren, Trevin, Ella, and Eugene Timmons and Hallie Mathis; and three step-great-grandchildren, Logan, Nolan, and Claire Severson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Harold.
