JoAnn Vandenburg

(Enid) JoAnn Vandenburg, age 95, of Wyoming, Mich., was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. She was born to the late C.L. and Esther (Stone) VandenBurg in Flasher, North Dakota. JoAnn was the oldest of seven children, four of whom lived to adulthood. At age 17, she began teaching in a one room schoolhouse, and at the age of 21 married William Vandenburg in 1950. She taught until, pregnant with her first born, she was "so big I didn't fit behind the desk".  Bill and JoAnn raised six children in North Dakota. JoAnn was actively involved in ministries in the church and community. She was widowed at age 54 but continued her faithful tireless work serving others, including a daycare ministry, elder care, and a ministry to young widows. She lived and served in North Dakota until 2011 when she moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan due to health needs. Wherever she was, she extended her ministry of service and love through meals, sending cards, prayers, and encouraging others in the faith.

JoAnn was a kind and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Vandenburg; grandson, Mitchell Vandenburg; and step-great-grandson, Matthew Logan Halla. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Alan and Patti Vandenburg, Genell and Jim Halla, Linda and Mark Fadel, Sandra and Dean Ter Haar, Perry and Heidi Vandenburg, Judy and Tim Ter Haar; 21 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren; sister, Genevieve Elsner; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Henry and Pat Vandenburg, Darlene Droog, Ione and Dennis Huber, Barbara Vandenburg; and many loving nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 930 52nd St. SW, Wyoming, Mich. with Rev. Dale Van Dyke officiating. The service will also be live streamed at harvestopc.org. Relatives and friends may meet the family before service from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church or Faith Hospice.