Joan Bilak Obituary - LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana

Lakeside Funeral Home

340 East Prien Lake Road

LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601

Phone: 337-656-2628

Fax:

We're sorry but the candle you have selected is currenty in the process of being purchased or has just recently been purchased.

Please feel free to select another candle or check back in 15 minutes to see if the candle you have selected has been released for purchase.

Thank you.

Okay

We're sorry but there are no candles available for lighting.

Thank you.

You have already begun a candle purchase session. If you would like to continue with your current candle choice please click "Continue" otherwise please click "Select Another".

Thank you.

Select another

Continue

In Memory of

Joan Lee
Bilak

1950 - 2017

Click above to light a memorial candle.

The lighting of a Memorial Candle not only provides a gesture of sympathy and support to the immediate family during their time of need but also provides the gift of extending the Book of Memories for future generations.

Open Full Navigation

Plant a Tree In Memory of Your Loved One

Click Here

Plant a Tree In Memory of Your Loved One

Click Here

Subscribe to

Updates

Click Here

Lakeside Funeral Home
340 East Prien Lake Road
LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana
UNITED STATES
70601

In the event that there is an error
in the information presented,
please contact the funeral
home by clicking here.

Obituary for Joan Lee Bilak

Joan Lee Bilak, born Gerdsen; passed away February 16, 2017 in a local hospital, at the young age of 66.

Joan loved her country, family, and adventure. She joined the US Army at the age of 18. She was able to serve her country, fight for the freedom of those she loved, and travel the world. Joan served faithfully as a Staff Sergeant in the intelligence division. She served as a multi-language interpreter and teacher, until she was honorably discharged as a disabled veteran. She later returned to Louisiana to be near her family. Joan received several medals and honors during her time of service including the following: Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon- 2 Army Achievement Metal, Army Commendation Medal with 2- Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal (4th AWD), and Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Bar and Pistol. After Joan was no longer able to serve in active duty, she continued to find ways to serve her brothers and sister in arms. She was a champion for disabled veterans and no matter where her adventures took her she looked for ways to help other disabled veterans.

She is predeceased by her father Gordon Gerdsen, her mother Virginia Riley Gerdsen, and her nephew Ronald Tate Thorn.

Joan was a devoted sister to Cynthia Kay Gerdsen (Thorn) Robinson, the adventurous fun aunt to Sharon Thorn Mele and
Karen Thorn Merrill, the great aunt (in all ways) to Brandi Nicole Bauer, and the great-great aunt to Brylynn Lee Lafleur and Kallen Troy Lafleur. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

As per her wishes, Joan will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery; after a private memorial service with her family. Her cremation has been entrusted to lakeside Funeral Home.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.lakesidefh.com

Printable

Recently Shared Condolences

R Bailey

My heartfelt condolence... (read more)

Recently Lit Memorial Candles

Lakeside Funeral Home

We are honored to prov ...(read more)
David

In Loving Memory, Sis, ...(read more)

Recently Shared Stories

Recently Shared Photos

Obituaries

Search

Lakeside Funeral Home

Obituary for Joan Lee Bilak