Joan Dale Ivkovich

Joan Rita Ivkovich (Kulaski), 95, a resident of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina since 2005, passed away on June 18, 2026.

She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her presence will be deeply missed.

Born March 16th, 1931 in Chicago Illinois to Josephine and Richard Kulaski, she was the oldest of six children. Chicago was her home most of her life and where she met her future husband. Joan married Vladimir Ivkovich (whom she called Lado) on July 15, 1950. As a devoted wife and mother, they raised three daughters; Rona, Linda, and Lori. Joan was always supportive of her husband’s career opportunities and promotions throughout their 75 plus years of marriage.

As her daughters got older, she worked part time at Pticek’s Bakery and at Sears Roebuck for several years. She enjoyed family get togethers with her aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers, and their families. Joan was always ready to play cards, go to the River Boat Casino, Friday night Bingo games, as well as other games of chance. One of her mottos was “Make your own fun!”

She and her husband loved to travel. In the early years of their marriage, they would take their family on regular road trips to West Virginia to visit family. Cruising was a personal favorite. They traveled through the Panama Canal twice, the Caribbean numerous times, and took a memorable Mediterranean cruise celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary with their three daughters.

As a devoted mother, she was always there for her girls. Her daughters came first, helping them with whatever they needed. She especially enjoyed being a doting grandmother to all of her grandchildren.

Some of her favorite past times were baking, gardening, shopping, reading, and playing games (Scrabble, Sequence and Pinochle).

Joan will be especially remembered for her energy and selflessness, she was always ready to help a family member, friend, or someone in need. Her loving spirit brightened the lives of all who knew her.

Joan is survived by her husband, Vladimir Ivkovich, her loving daughters, Rona Ivkovich, Linda Soich (James, deceased), and Lori Witz (Charles); her siblings: Richard Kulaski (deceased), Mary Ellen Kopke (deceased), Shirley Austin (deceased), Joyce Neal, and Thomas Kulaski; grandchildren: Robert Gass (Jenn, deceased), Laurie (Anthony) Villapiano, Christine Gass (Jon), Alex Soich (Erin), and Madeleine Soich; great grandchildren: Anthony (Sarah) Villapiano, Nicholas (Rebecca) Villapiano, Michael Villapiano, Derek Soich, William Soich, Hannah Soich, Jacob (Coby) Taylor, Coltin Taylor, Jack Goldyn; great great grandchildren: Anthony Villapiano, Thalia Villapiano, Guilia Villapiano, Matteo Villapiano, and Westley Taylor.

There will be a private memorial service for the immediate family.