Joanne, 62, of Hegewisch, was called home on Monday, January 20, 2025.  She was born October 1, 1962 to John D. Perkovich (late) and Carol Joan Padilla (late).  She was surround by love with her siblings Debbie Hnatusko, Edward Lebeter (late), Phillip Lebeter, Lori Ann Ostrow (late), Ted Padilla, Brian Lebeter, Brad Lebeter, Tammy Binder Perkovich, Kimberly Perkovich, and Kelly Perkovich (late).  She is survived by her three children, Felicia Marie Cione, Misty Lynn Lebeter, and Ivo Kresimir Vlaicevic.  She also leaves behind 6 grandchildren, Nicholas, Taeha, Christopher, Ashley, Mya, and Benjamin as well as one great-granddaughter, Alina.

Joanne achieved many accomplishments in her life.  Most notably was her choice to become a professional wrestler and in 1987 joined Windy City Wrestling as Awesome Ondy Austin.  After training and a bit of grit, she ultimately became the ladies champion and the crowd favorite.  She eventually left wrestling to become a professional bodybuilder.  Years later she was invited back in the ring to receive a plaque and be inducted into the Windy City Wrestling Hall of Fame.  During her career as a bodybuilder, she participated in two competitions in which she took first and second place, respectively.

Eventually, Joanne left that career behind to start new ventures in her life, becoming a mom again.  Joanne had a passion for music like no other.  She taught herself how to play the guitar and had an amazing voice when she sang.  She enjoyed riding her Harley Davidson up Lake Shore Drive on Friday nights, was a great artist, talented writer, could do tricks on a skateboard and even knew how to ride a unicycle and walk on stilts!  She loved animals and over the years cared for many dogs and parrots.  She loved to laugh, throw back a few drinks, tell jokes, cook, and curse.  She was passionate, honest, independent, and determined.  If you showed up at her house, she could always be found running about cleaning or fixing something.  As she would describe herself, she was a jack of all trades and a master of none.  She fought for what she believed in and was the best ally you could ever ask for.   During the summer months, she thought it best spent on the boat, tubing, water skiing, as well as catching air on the jet ski in the boats wake.  Fishing was one of her hobbies as well and taking in the view on the rocks at Cal Park.  In her younger years loved softball, playing the flute, and was a medal winning speed skater.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Sadowski Funeral Home of Hegewisch: 13300 S. Houston Ave., Chicago, IL 60633. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  Prayer Service to commence at 7:00 pm followed by family eulogies. Please use the form below to post a condolence or light a virtual candle in memory of Joanne. Flowers for Joanne can also be directly ordered below