Joann Van Engelenhoven

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JoANN VAN ENGELENHOVEN was born to John and Audra (Perrin) White on April 9, 1930 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. She was raised in various towns in Oklahoma until 1941. At this time JoAnn and her family moved to Long Beach, California where she later graduated from Polytechnic High School. In 1945, she met Gerrit Van Engelenhoven during his service in the United States Navy in California. On December 20, 1947, the couple was united in marriage at the church parsonage in Long Beach, California. The newlyweds moved to Luverne, Minnesota for a few years before returning to live in Artesia, California in 1951. Two years later they moved back to Luverne where they put down their roots and raised four wonderful children. JoAnn returned to school and attended Worthington Community College in Worthington, Minnesota. In 1968, she began working at Tri-State Insurance Company of Minnesota in Luverne and continued until her retirement in 1992. JoAnn enjoyed her retirement years and especially loved traveling with Gerrit. She then worked part-time at the Sewing Basket in downtown Luverne from October of 2000 until May of 2005. She remained active in volunteer work at the Sanford Luverne Hospital. Gerrit preceded her in death on October 7, 2013. On Monday, January 11, 2021, JoAnn died peacefully at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne at the age of 90 years, 9 months and 2 days.

JoAnn was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Luverne where she participated in Mary Circle, Stephen Ministry, United Presbyterian Women, Committee on Ministry, and the quilters guild. She also served as an Elder and Financial Secretary in the church. JoAnn was a former member of the Eastern Star. She served on the boards for the Luverne Hospital, Luverne Chamber of Commerce, Luverne Dollars for Scholars and Rock County Opportunities. JoAnn was the epitome of class and knew how to make you feel welcomed. She enjoyed reading and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She especially enjoyed the 21 years spent on Lake Sarah with her family and watching all the memories made fishing, tubing and water-skiing.

She is lovingly remembered by her two children, Gail Bremer and her husband, Dwight of Hardwick, Minnesota and Duane and his wife, Deb of Luverne; ten grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerrit; two daughters, Carol Wessels and Sheryl Schreck; three grandchildren, Cindy Bremer, Cami Gordon and Andy Wessels; great-granddaughter, Lucie Sailor; parents; and 19 siblings.

Please return as a recording of JoAnn's service will appear following her service.