Joan Marie Bielema

Joan Marie Bielema, of Thomson, Illinois, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 at home.

Joan was born March 1, 1955, in Savanna, Illinois, the daughter of Ronald and Mona (Shumaker) McColley. She graduated from Savanna High School with the Class of 1974. Those who knew Joan best would tell you she had a gift for making life feel lighter—she was warm, social, and the kind of person who genuinely enjoyed people.

On October 28, 1995, Joan married Larry Bielema, and together they built a life that was full of purpose and partnership. Joan often said she was happiest after meeting Larry. The two were industrious by nature—Larry loved building and creating, and Joan had a knack for selling, organizing, and helping the business succeed. Over the years, they also bought, improved, and sold several homes, enjoying the work and pride that came with doing it together. For nearly 30 years, they shared their home and life in Thomson. Larry passed away February 15, 2024.

Joan’s greatest joy was her family—especially her son, Jason, who was truly her pride and joy. Family wasn’t just important to Joan; it was the center of her everyday life. She made it a point to stay close with her siblings, and it was part of her routine to share lunch with one of them each day—a simple tradition that says everything about how connected they were.

Joan loved the things that brought people together: playing cards (especially pinochle), board games, family gatherings, and good conversation. She enjoyed reading, collecting things, and taking trips to the casino now and then—always with a sense of fun. She also loved nature, being outdoors, and gardening, finding peace in the simple beauty of life. Joan was, in every way, beautiful inside and out, and she had a caring heart that made others feel welcome and valued.

Joan will be dearly missed by her son, Jason Reese, of Cordova, Illinois; and her siblings: Richard McColley of Thomson; Patsy (Robert) Bennell of Lanark; Angeline (Charles) Williams of Savanna; Jane Rasmussen of Thomson; and Peggy (Keith) Chapman of Savanna.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Bielema; both parents, Ronald and Mona McColley; and her siblings Jim McColley, Bev Tack, John McColley, Robert McColley, and William McColley.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 28, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Thomson United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.