Obituary of Mona Lisa Goeken

Mona Lisa Goeken

(nee Hallgren)

Mona Lisa Goeken, passed away peacefully, at the age of 91, on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at St. Joseph Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family.  Mona was born on February 5, 1932, the daughter of Nills and Esther (nee Dahlgren) Hallgren.  Born in Joliet and raised in New Lenox, she attended Joliet Township High School and later Joliet Junior College.  Mona retired after more than 20 years as a Secretary in the Purchasing Department at St. Joseph Medical Center.

Mona spent her life giving back to the community. She enjoyed donating her time whenever and where ever she was needed, even volunteering in the Hospital gift shop after retirement. She was a longtime parishioner of First Lutheran Church in Joliet, where she was a member of the choir as well as active in the Eleanor Circle. She was instrumental on the Board of Directors with Silver Cross Hospital and was also active in the Women’s Business Association.  In her free time, she was an avid domino and card player, she loved to go dancing and singing, enjoyed playing volleyball in her younger years and getting together weekly with her friends in numerous bowling leagues.  Mona was always on the go, traveling with family and friends. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She won the National Queen in the Miss Elite USA pageant. Above everything else that kept her busy, her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy.  She loved attending all their activities.

Mona is survived by her daughter, Sandra Goeken; son, John (Kathy) Goeken; seven grandchildren, Ashley Goeken, Christen Goeken, Lauren Goeken Miles, Jennifer (Eric) Gall, John B. (LeAnn) Goeken, Aron (Shead) Goeken, and Danielle Goeken; four great-grandchildren, Noah, Avery, and Caden Gall, and John “Jack” Goeken; and her sister, Karen “Kay” Hallgren.  Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

She is preceded by her loving husband, John Goeken; and her sister, Sonia “Sunny” Cahn.

Mona had these twinkling eyes that lit up any room and made everyone feel her enormous love for them. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.

A Memorial Gathering for Mona Lisa Goeken will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023, at First Lutheran Church, 55 West Benton Street, Joliet, IL, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m.  As it was her request, cremation rites have been accorded. 

For more information please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.