JoAnn M. Builta

JoAnn Marie (Young) Builta, 93, of Rock Island, formerly of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away Sunday September 1, 2024, at her home.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a graveside service will be held at the White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, Michigan. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline, is assisting the family.

JoAnn was born on January 16, 1931, in Detroit Michigan, the only child of the late Carl W. Young and Anna (Somdal) Young of Detroit, Michigan. A graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, she later earned her master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia. She taught elementary school for 33 years in Michigan, Washington State, and Virginia.

She had a lifelong love of music and was an accomplished pianist during her teen years, belonging to the Junior League of the Tuesday Musicale in Detroit. She and her husband Dick also enjoyed singing in the Wesley Choir of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. 

Upon retiring from teaching she became a Gunston Hall docent, was also a member of the Stratford Woman’s Club, the NSO Women’s Committee, Sons of Norway, and the Norwegian Society.

JoAnn also participated in other church activities since becoming a member of Aldersgate along with her husband, Dick, in 1996.

In 1951, she married Dick Builta. They had three children, Diann of Norfolk, VA, Jim of Livonia, MI, and Kevin of Rock Island, Illinois. Kevin and his wife, Denise, are the parents of four splendid children, Danielle, Stephen, Jonathan, and Andre. Stephen and his wife Shilpa are the parents of JoAnn’s precious great-grandchildren Corinne, Celeste, and Clarice.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, and son, Jim and is survived by her children Diann and Kevin and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

JoAnn loved her Lord and lived a life of thanksgiving for the blessings of faith, family, community, and country. Thanks be to God for His mercy and goodness.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.