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 | Joanne VerBockel ne Kuhl September 13, 1937 - June 22, 2024
Joanne was born in her beloved Randolph, NE on September 13, 1937, and passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024. She lived, and was grateful for, a full and faith filled life. She and John (“Jack”) were married for 62 years, after they met on a blind date in Omaha, Nebraska, while Jack was in the service at Offutt Air Force Base, and Joanne was attending St. Mary’s College. They had an immediate connection, and the rest is history.
Joanne worked 37 years at St Elizabeth Hospital as a Medical Technologist. She truly enjoyed her job reading blood draws and working with great doctors. Her daughters often excitedly met her in the St E’s parking lot after work, to walk her home to Madison Street. Home life was loving and simple, with Joanne’s home-cooked meals, delicious rhubarb and apple pies, sewing clothes for the Barbie Camper, and regular piano playing (we can still hear “The Sting” theme).
Joanne was an avid volunteer in retirement. She coordinated funeral dinners at Sacred Heart Parish for over 10 years, was a member of the Ladies of Sacred Heart and the St. Vincent DePaul Society, she tutored 4th grade students in Math at Richmond School, she was back at St. E’s as a volunteer, supporting post-surgery communication to families, was a strong “Pro-Life” believer and crocheted blankets for babies for the Mother & Unborn Baby program, and she visited nursing homes regularly to be a comfort to residents. Most importantly, Joanne picked up her Appleton grandsons every day from St. Bernadette Grade School and walked them home, talking about their day, and having snacks ready!
Joanne loved to learn. Her Catholic faith was most important, as she avidly read the bible and attended countless bible studies over the years and participated in the RENEW Program at Sacred Heart. She also loved reading, preferring non-fiction books, enjoyed many cruises with Jack, and traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia and the Vatican. Joanne often went to the Atlas, finding locations in the world that came up in her reading.
Nebraska was Joanne’s ‘forever’ home. She often spoke fondly of her family, childhood visits to her dad at the grain elevator, her brother’s bee-keeping business, and especially playing with her sister Ruth in the haymow.
Joanne’s other loves included doing puzzles (always one sitting out), taking daily walks, playing Bridge with her friends (particularly with Dawn Staedt, a friend of 60+ years), and a good cup of black coffee.
Joanne is survived by her children John (Kathleen) VerBockel - Palm Beach, FL, Doug (Betsy) VerBockel - New Berlin, WI; Mary (Tom) Reader – Appleton, WI; and Donna (Matt) Venteicher, Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren Ave (Will) Amling, Patrick VerBockel, Teddy VerBockel, Dan (Nicole) VerBockel, David (Emily) VerBockel, Thomas (Krystina) Reader, Jonathon Reader, Michael (Maggie) Reader, John Mullin, and Megan Mullin; and great-grandchildren Henry, Raven, Luca, Kayden and Heidi.
She is also survived by her sister Ruth (Dean) Carstens, sister-in-law Mary Fassbender, brother-in-law Clarence VerBockel, sister-in-law Jan (Cliff) Van de Loo, sister-in-law Lynn (Fran) Leurquin.
Joanne was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her siblings Don (Vayle) Kuhl, John (Meldy) Kuhl, Margie (Al) Bonta, and Jackie (Layne) Volk; her in-laws Alice & Ed Marx, Joan & Tom Beach, Agnes (Norbert) Karner, (Cliff) Rademacher, Jerry (Carol) VerBockel, Theresa (Leo) Fink, Gene (Mary Ann) VerBockel, Mary (Ken) Fassbender, & Judy VerBockel.
We would like to give special thanks to the angels at Willow Assisted Living in Appleton for loving mom in her final 3 years, and for the support and love given to daughter Mary. You, the staff, have chosen one of the most significant professions. You give love and respect to these beautiful residents when they need it most. My heart is forever grateful to Julie, Stacy, and Aubrey for whom mom and I found an immediate connection.
Thank you to Aseracare Hospice for swooping in with love. Kayla and I met on a Monday and bonded within minutes. You touched my heart. You were truly meant for this ministry. Thank you to Deacon James Lonick for a 2-hour visit I won’t soon forget. Mom was ready to see her loving family, and her Heavenly Father.
Thank you, Mom, for your example of a faith filled life, and for showing us what true commitment looks like.
A funeral mass for Joanne will be held Friday, June 28, 2024 at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Parish, Appleton. Visitation is from 9am until the time of service. In lieu of funeral donations, please consider contributions to organizations that were important to Joanne – Sacred Heart Parish and St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System. |
1937 - 2024 (86 years)
