Joan Marie VanHoveln, 84, of Milford passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the Iroquois Resident Home in Watseka. She was born on April 30, 1940, in Watseka, the daughter of Peter and Helen (Garrelts) Lucht.
She married Dewaine L. VanHoveln on June 8, 1957 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer and he preceded her in death on August 6, 2024. Her parents and one brother, Verlin Lucht also preceded her in death.
Surviving are seven children, Thomas (Girtie) VanHoveln of Ward, AR, Theresa (Arlyn) Anderson of Milford, Brian (Katie) VanHoveln of Momence, Anthony (Anna) VanHoveln of Sunrise Beach, MO, Nathan VanHoveln of Milford, Denise (Larry) Burton of Martinton and Matthew (Sharon) VanHoveln of Sherwood, AR; thirteen grandchildren, Stacey (Paul) Hoppe, Jason (Joy) Anderson, Kelly (Dan) Grabow, Erin, Nicole and JoAnna VanHoveln, Andrea (Marcus) Sykora, Adam (Kim) VanHoveln, Krista (Cody) McCormick, Kyle Burton, Malynda (Blake) Joyner, Makenzie (Jeffery) Rodgers and John (Emily) VanHoveln; and twenty-three great-grandchildren.
Joan was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer, where she was a Sunday School teacher, WMF member and also where she held many office positions. She was very instrumental in the Music Department of the church, as a music director, organist, pianist and choir member. Joan was a farm wife and helped Dewaine on the farm in many capacities. She was also a bus driver for special education. Joan was a 4-H leader and a devotion leader at Prairieview Lutheran Home and volunteered at the Fall Festival. Many people knew Joan for sending greeting cards over the years for encouragement, birthdays and holidays. Her hobbies included knitting, puzzles, and spending time with her family.
Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer and also 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Schwer. Rev. Joe Frech will officiate. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Schwer.
Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church at Schwer or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.
Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.
Please share a memory of Joan at knappfuneralhomes.com.
