Joann (Ver Beek) Gelder, age 69, of Hudsonville, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 31, 2020, and was called home to be with her Lord and Savior after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Gerry Gelder; and her sister, Sharon Ter Horst. Joann was a loving mother and grandmother who treasured the time spent with her family. She was a lifelong educator, teaching at Hudsonville Christian, Borculo Christian, and retired from Beaverdam Christian. Joann served her Lord with her time and talents in many ways both at her church and in her community. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping with her family up at Silver Lake. Above all, her love for Jesus and legacy of faith will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be lovingly remembered by her children and grandchildren, Greg and Heidi Gelder (Lacey, Steve, Gavin, Chase, Levi), Doug and Rachelle Gelder (Jessica, Kelsey, Morgan), Jen and Brad Van Dragt (Ja’miah); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mike Ter Horst, Al and Jan Gelder, Molly and Don Wyenberg; several loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Georgetown Christian Reformed Church, 6475 40th Ave., Hudsonville, with Rev. Marc Nelesen officiating.  The burial will take place at Blendon Township Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, September 3, from 2-4 and 5-8 p.m. outside the church in the tent. Memorial contributions may be made to the Unity Christian High School Education Foundation, Georgetown Christian Reformed Church Missions Fund or to an organization of one’s choice. 

Leave Your Tribute Message

September 02, 2020 8:49am
Joann will be missed. I am thankful to have spent time in Bible Study with her. And knew both her and Gerry from Church. I am so sorry for your loss, Family. Joann and Gerry are together in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Praying for the Family.

- Jacqueline J Capel

September 02, 2020 6:37am
We pray for the Lord’s abundant grace and comfort for you all who loved Joann. “I am the resurrection and life,” are the Lord’s words to those mourning. As cousins we pray for God’s strength for you all.

- Merle and Donna DenBleyker

September 02, 2020 5:37am
Praying for comfort and strength for your family in the days and weeks ahead. Ken and Fay Bos {cousin of your mom}

- Fay Bos

September 02, 2020 4:26am
I am sorry to hear the news of Joann's passing. I remember well, singing at Gerry and Joann's wedding. I was unaware that Gerry had passed away too. May they rest in peace and rise in glory.

- Thomas Folkert

September 01, 2020 7:54pm
Oh JoAnn, so loved her positive words, Everytime I would do her hair we had such fun conversations and will cherish our time we had with her, as a teacher and friend! So blessed to have had you as a teacher for our kids and as a client and friend. Thank you for all the health advice & how to stay strong and fight off cancer. You will be missed! Hugs and prayers to all your kids and grandkids! Love the Bob & Rhonda Schreur family

- Bob & Rhonda Schreur

September 01, 2020 12:57pm
As children and grandchildren, you need to know how much your mom/ grandma loved you. She was a dear friend and we will miss her smile, her sense of humor and her love for God and Georgetown church. Dick and .Pat Voetberg

- Pa Voetberg

September 01, 2020 11:46am
Doug, Rachelle and girls, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you in this great loss of a mother and grandma!!! They leave a broken link in your family chain for a while only to be joined back together in Heaven.

- Uncle Mark and Aunt Mary Folkert

September 01, 2020 10:53am
I have many fond memories of Gerry and Joann over the years. We were cousins, but also good friends. I am so sorry for your loss, but so glad they are together forever in the presence of the Lord.

- Wanda VanSingel

September 01, 2020 10:50am
Joann will be greatly missed. I'm so thankful to have been able to spend time with her this summer. Our sympathies go out to her family. You are in our prayers.

- Kelly Dreyer




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