Obituary of JoAnne Marie Pytlik

     It is with great sadness that we announce the death of JoAnne Pytlik (Leske), age 74, died February 1. 2024 in Bradenton, Florida.  JoAnne will be deeply missed by her husband and best friend of 48 years, Jerry.  JoAnne was lucky to have a very large family who loved her so much.  Sisters Diane Upton (Bill); Carol Gensrick (Bill); Kathy Kalis (Jeff).  Sisters-in law Dorothy Skok (Bill); Susan Strong and Sr. Joan Pytlik.  Brothers David Schmidt (Krys); Mike Leske (Jane); Richard Leske; Charlie Leske (Brenda); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Lorraine Leske; mother and father in-law Wanda and Stanley Pytlik; brother and sisters in-law Thomas & Linda Pytlik; Roberta Pytlik and her dear sister Mary Chmielewski and brother in-law Neil Chmielewski. 

JoAnne was born November 16, 1949, in Madison, Wisconsin.  The family moved to Mequon, Wisconsin in 1964.  After graduating from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, JoAnne began her long and successful career in Marketing at Brady Corporation.  JoAnne and Jerry moved to Florida in 2006 and JoAnne retired a couple of years later.  After retirement JoAnne continued to learn by attending courses at the local community college and volunteering her time on their neighborhood and condo association boards.  JoAnne and Jerry made wonderful friends in Florida and enjoyed golfing and socializing over cocktails and chardonnay.     

JoAnne had a smile and a laugh that was infectious.  She was the person everyone wanted to be around.  She was generous, kind and had the biggest heart.  She loved hosting family and friends at their home and beloved beach condo.  She always said, “Come to Florida!”.   JoAnne traveled to Wisconsin several times a year to visit family and friends.  She was everyone’s biggest supporter and never wanted to miss a thing.  She cherished her pet cats…over the years they were King, FeeBee, Tootsie/Dillweed, Frankie, Chu Chu, Aldo and Ruby.

A memorial service for JoAnne will be planned at a later time.  Donations can be made in her name to the Humane Society of Manatee County: https://humanesocietyofmanateecounty.wufoo.com/forms/z15hpgwo06i36h7/