Joann Van Roekel

NOTICE: Rock Rapids, IA JoAnn Van Roekel, age 75 of Rock Rapids, IA died Wed., March 5, 2008 at the Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Ellsworth, MN. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Fri., March 7th at the Christian Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, IA with Rev. Katie Van Veldhuizen officiating. Burial will follow at the Riverview cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Thurs., March 6th from 2 " 8 p.m. with the family present form 6 " 8 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. JoAnn Van Roekel was born September 11, 1932 near Perkins Corner to John B. and Elizabeth (Rozeboom) Van Maanen. She attended the West Branch District Number 4 Country School southeast of Sioux Center. She furthered her education by going to Northwestern Academy College in Orange City where her love for children led her to become a kindergarten teacher. She worked with Kindergarten children her entire career. After graduation from college she taught in Spirit Lake, IA for two years and then Sioux City for two years before being married and moving to the Rock Rapids area. JoAnn married Merle Van Roekel on June 14, 1954 at the Newton Reformed Church in Erie, IL. The couple lived on the family farm 3 miles south of Perkins Corner. They later bought a farm and made their home a few miles west of Rock Rapids where Merle still lives today. JoAnn continued her teaching career by working with the Rock Rapids school district. Many graduates from Rock Rapids school system will remember Mrs. Van Roekel fondly from their early childhood. She truly had a wonderful heart for children and it showed. JoAnn retired from teaching in 1989. JoAnn was a member of the First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids and served as a Sunday school teacher for 55 years. She was a member of Grace Circle and served as chairman for a number of years. She was also a member of the bell choir for 14 years. JoAnn had a fondness for antiques. Among other things, she collected antique clocks and dishes. She and Merle have taken part in many toy shows over the years. She enjoyed sewing and always had a large garden and was known to share her produce with members of her church. JoAnn will be lovingly remembered by many. JoAnn is survived by her Husband; two nieces, Brenda (Eric)Svendsen of Minnesota City, MN, and Char (Jeff) Hunziker of Counsil Bluffs, IA; Brothers-in-law, Clinton (Flossie) Van Roekel of George, IA, James (Erma Jean) Van Roekel of Urbandale, IA, and Arlin (Alvina) Van Roekel of Sioux Center, IA; Sister-in-law Edna Van Roekel of Fulda, MN; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. JoAnn was preceded in death by her Parents and Brother Delbert Van Maanen.