- JoAnn Bernadine Vandenberg, 82, Rothschild, passed away peacefully, with her husband, Jim, by her side, on Tuesday, August 2, 2016. She was born on June 26, 1934 in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, the fifth of James and Ellen Hooyman's six children.
JoAnn graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1952. On October 29, 1952, she married the love of her life, Jim Vandenberg. She was a loving and devoted wife. They spent their early married life at Amarillo Air Force Base in Amarillo, Texas, followed by 13 years in Neenah/Menasha, Wisconsin. In 1970, they moved to Rothschild, where they have lived for the last 46 years. JoAnn and Jim were blessed with nine children, 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They were the light and delight of JoAnn's life. Her family was everything to her. She was the sweetest, kindest, most compassionate, most loving person to all who were privileged to know her. She received her greatest pleasure from doing good for others - from making others happy. Her humorous and fun-loving nature enriched the lives of all those who knew her. She was truly a remarkable person, and she will be missed beyond measure.
She was always an active member of her church, serving in a variety of roles throughout her life, and she had been a member of the Red Hat Ladies Society.
JoAnn is survived by Jim, her loving husband of 63 years, and by nine children: Debbie (Buddy) Gessler, Tomahawk; Jim (Sharon) Vandenberg, Waunakee; Linda (Cliff) Chack, Weston; Cindy (Mike) Schneider, Ellison Bay; Brenda (Jon) Stieber, Oconomowoc; Amanda (Scott) Jensen, Chetek; Sheila (Todd) Breske, Eagle; Victoria (Mike) Mathisen, Dellwood, Minnesota; and Jody (Bryana) Vandenberg, Oconomowoc. She was "Nana" to 18 grandchildren: Cory (Amanda), Alanna (Chris), Adam, Jennifer, Elizabeth, James, Alissa (Scott), Aaron, Katherine, Jeffrey, Emily, Molly, Olivia, Isaiah, Joseph, Angela, Jacob and Sarah, and to six great-grandchildren: Isabella, Charlie, Macy, Sebastian, Ilsabet and Henry. She is further survived by her sister, Mary Sue (Bob) Streck and by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Floyd, Bud and Marvin Hooyman and her sister, Eleanor Engel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Saint Mark Catholic Church, 602 Military Road, Rothschild, WI. The Very Rev. Allan Slowiak will officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the church. A private entombment will be held on Monday, August 8 at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.
JoAnn's family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Tender Reflections for their loving and compassionate care.
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association .
Brainard Funeral Home - Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston is assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on Aug. 5, 2016
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1934 - 2016 (82 years)
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Education - High School
