Joan Alberta Prather Obituary

With solemn hearts, we announce the passing of Joan Alberta Prather (Cary, Illinois), whose presence will be deeply missed, having departed on March 8, 2025 at the age of 88. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by: her parents, Paul Lipka and Adeline Lipka; her brother Paul Junior; her husband Tom; her sister-in-law Evie; and her nephew Brian.

She is survived by: her sons, Tim (Rose), Keven (Cathy), Eric (Sara) and Brent (Karyn); her daughter-in-law Laura (Brian); her grandchildren, Tristan, Ian (Katie), Mason, Alexander, Alyssa (Matt), Amanda (Joel), Wyatt, Sam (Jesi), Jack, Nicholas, Noah, Emma and Madeline; and her great grandchildren, Sophia, Oliver, Adeline and Evelyn.

Visitation was held on Saturday, March 15th 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Cary United Methodist Church (500 N 1st St, Cary, IL 60013). A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 15th 2025 at 11:00 AM at the same location.

Joan's most significant and lasting contribution to the Home Economics Department was to establish a pre-school program at the high school, the first in the state, led and taught by students who were studying child development.