Joanne Steenstra, of Jenison, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 31, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Herman and her sister, Virginia Small. She will be lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren, James and Louise Steenstra (Lindsay, Philip), Marijo Steenstra (Della, Pearl), Jill and Joseph Dubridge (Joshua, Jesse), Jack and Laura Steenstra (Jacob, Marissa), Marcy Steenstra (Lynn), Mark and Nettie Steenstra (Kara, Luke, John, Nanette); great-grandchildren, Kalena, Hart; brother, James and Sharon Zoetewey; sisters, Mildred Smith, Evelyn Zoetewey; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Joanne was a warm, loving, mother and grandmother who had a servant’s heart and loved helping her family and friends. She was dedicated to her church and her God. She spent much of her life as a school librarian after having been a teacher for many years. Joanne became an avid reader and loved spending her spare time with her books and passed that love onto The Potter’s House students by volunteering there. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Twelfth Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 7581 12th Ave. Jenison, with Pastor Mark Bennink officiating. Interment Grandville Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 4-8 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Potter’s House Christian School or The Green Chair Project.
Leave Your Tribute Message
January 06, 2018 12:30pm
Dear Steenstra family,
We want to express our sincere sympathy
in the death of your mother. Jo was a dear
friend for many years. We will always
remember the good times we spent
together. Jo was a fun person and was
generous to no end.
We give thanks for Jo's faith and pray that
God's grace is sufficient for all of you,
in this time of sorrow.
In Christian Love, Andy & Celie
- Andrew & Cecilia Droge
January 05, 2018 12:44pm
Jo truly had a servant heart. I worked with her for many years at Creston-Mayfield Christian School where she was our librarian. She worked hard behind the scenes to help teachers motivate students to read. She also had the gift of hospitality which she used when hosting gatherings in our Media Center. Wonderful memories of a warm and joyful servant of Christ!
- Norma Boehm
January 05, 2018 4:55am
Dear Jim, Lou, Lindsay, & Phil, We extend our sincere sympathy on the passing of your mom & grandmother. We are thankful, however, that she has rest & joy in the presence of her Lord & Savior, and trust in Him to bring you comfort during this time. Al & Mary Staal
- Mary & Al Staal
January 04, 2018 2:21pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your grieving. We trust that sharing memories and time with the family will be one way to celebrate your mother's life and mourn her passing.
- Larry & Louise Gruppen
January 04, 2018 4:55am
Dearest Cousins - please know our love, prayers and hugs are with you all during this sad time. We are with you in spirit as you celebrate Aunt Jo’s inspiring life.
Love, Suzie & Jim
- Suzie (Small) Harder
January 04, 2018 4:54am
Deares Cousins - please know our love, prayers and hugs are with you all during this sad time. We are with you in spirit as you celebrate Aunt Jo’s inspiring life.
Love, Suzie & Jim
- Suzie (Small) Harder
January 04, 2018 3:26am
So sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for peace in your hearts.
- Sam and Rita Cornett (WPPC-MI)
January 03, 2018 2:35pm
Jim & Lou,
You have our deepest sympathies. We are sure that she will be missed by her dear family.
With love, Bill & Marilyn
- Bill & Marilyn Dahms
January 02, 2018 8:02pm
Our hearts go out to you all in your loss. Keep sharing your wonderful memories with one another.
With our thoughts and prayers,
Maggie and Jim
- Jim & Maggie Coffin
January 02, 2018 6:21pm
Jo was a good friend and a great mom. I so enjoyed working with her at Jenison Christian. So happy that she is reunited with her beloved husband Herm. My sympathy to those who will miss her presence but will remember the way she loved them.
- Andy De Vries
January 02, 2018 5:44pm
Dear Steenstras.
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a blessing to us all. We are praying for your families.
Love, Eric & Silva dJ
- Eric & Silva de Jong
Order flowers for Joanne's service.
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Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)
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