Joanne Lypek was born an only child on December 8, 1942 in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Joanne graduated from Pulaski High School in 1961 and married Dave Litzow in December, 1963 while he was a dental student at Marquette University. They moved to Chicago while Dave was a graduate student at Northwestern University, specializing in Orthodontics. While living there, Joanne worked at the Prudential Insurance Company. Upon Dave’s graduation in 1968, they moved to La Crosse where Joanne became involved with the local and state Dental Auxiliary.

When the children attended Emerson Elementary School, Joanne became an active volunteer, serving on the PTO Board and organizing many special events. As the children grew older, she became involved with volunteering at Logan High School. She participated on both the Logan parent Board and the Logan Booster Club Board for four years.

For the last eleven years, Joanne has been actively involved with the Chileda Women’s Board, working on many fundraising events. In addition, for nine years she was instrumental in the development of the “Tiny Tim” fundraiser for St. Francis Hospital.

When her youngest child was 9 years old, she became involved with the Boys & Girls Club. In 1991, she received the Club’s “Backcourt” Award, given to an individual who is a strong supporter of youth activities, not only at the Club, but in the La Crosse area.

In 1993, Joanne was honored by the YWCA’s Tribute to Outstanding Women recognizing her volunteerism in the La Crosse area. This recognition was given for outstanding service to the Boys and Girls Club and other civic organizations. In September of 1996, Joanne received a special recognition award from the La Crosse and Onalaska Lodges of Free & accepted Masons of Wisconsin.

As a Boys and Girls Club Board member for the last four years, Joanne has been involved with many aspects of the Club, from committee work to fundraising. In 1998, she was presented the prestigious Outstanding Board Volunteer for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse at the Wisconsin Area Council Annual meeting.



Joanne and Dave have been married for 35 years and have three children, Dan, Cory, and Zac.