Joan M. Uhlik

Joan Marie Uhlik, 87, Greenleaf, died Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Community Memorial Hospital in Marysville, KS.

Visitation was held from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 7 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greenleaf with a vigil service following at 7 p.m.

A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 8 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Burial was in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

The third of three children born to Eugene and Mary (Schroll) Wenzl, Joan was born on May 2, 1937 on the family farm near Greenleaf, Kansas. She began elementary school at the country school, North Dane Grade School, which was located on their farmstead and taught by her mother. She then attended Greenleaf Grade School. After elementary school, Joan left home to attend Mount St. Scholastica Academy in Atchison, KS, graduating in 1954. When visiting home and returning to school, she would ride the train. She then enrolled in nurses training at Creighton Memorial at St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha, NE, graduating in May 1957. Following graduation, Joan worked at St. Joseph Hospital as a pediatric nurse. On November 11, 1957, Joan was united in marriage to Matthew Uhlik in Greenleaf. They were married for 67 years and were blessed with six children: Chris, Dan, Shelley, Mark, Lisa, and Susie. In 1960, Joan and Matt moved to Greenleaf where they raised their growing family. Joan continued her nursing career at the Washington County Hospital, retiring in 2002. 

Faith and family were incredibly important to Joan. Attending church was a priority for her, and she was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Joan had a calm demeanor and a no-nonsense approach to life. These served her well, as did her nursing degree, while she raised her busy young family. 

Joan enjoyed a good antique shop and could often be enticed by an interesting garage sale, as she was often looking for a collectible that she, a family member, or a friend may “need”. She had a special fondness for collecting owls. Countless hours were spent around the kitchen table, birdwatching. The feeders were mere feet from the window, so she and Matt had front-row seats. Joan could often be found with a book in hand, as she was an avid reader with mysteries being her favorite. Joan and Matt enjoyed traveling to see their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed making jam and baking pies with the fruit Matt grew in his orchard. 

Preceding her in death were her parents, daughter Michele Byers, son Daniel Uhlik, and brothers Eugene Wenzl and James Wenzl.

Survivors include: her husband, Matt; sons Christopher (Jeri) Uhlik, Mark (Tina) Uhlik; daughters Lisa (Neal) Allmond, Susan Uhlik; son-in-law Patrick Byers; daughter-in-law Betty Uhlik; and 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. 

A memorial fund has been established in her name and will be designated later by the family. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington, KS.