Joan K. Vander Hoff (nee Schuitema) was born 2/5/1920 to Joseph and Maude Schuitema. She was the oldest of four children. Her brothers Joe, Don, and Al are deceased. She is survived by her four children and spouses Frank and Leslie, Carol and Bob Doornbos, Doug and Linda, Craig and Marilyn; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Mae Schuitema and Betty Bouma.
Being the oldest child in a primarily single parent home, family responsibilities were thrust upon her at an early age. With the collapse of the economy during the 1930's, she grew up knowing the value of hard work and stewardship of family resources. She graduated early from South High School and was in the work force several years before her marriage to Frank "Chic" Vander Hoff, as WWII began. They lived in military housing until Chic's discharge and then resumed life in the Galewood/Beverly area spending most of their married life in Wyoming, MI. When Chic retired in 1976, they moved year round to their summer home on Scram Lake. After Chic's death in January 1978, Joan continued to live at their lake house for another couple years before moving back to the Wyoming area.
Joan was married to Gabe Quakkelaar from 1986 until his death in 1998.
Her life's hallmark was one of faith, devotion to family, and service to others. She was a devoted wife, mother, homemaker, Den leader. She was active in PTA , Vacation Bible Schools at their "summer" church, and countless school carnivals, fund raisers, other civic involvement and volunteered for whatever was needed at the various schools and churches in which the family was involved. The Wyoming Park Rotary honored her in 1960 with their first "Service Above Self" award, noting her work with the Cancer Society, Campfire Girls, March of Dimes, and Horizon Club. Her life of volunteering culminated with decades of service to the American Cancer Society, "retiring" as she approached 90, when driving became an issue.
Those wishing to honor her memory may consider a donation to the Cancer Society or to Woodhaven Reformed Church, where a private family service is planned for December 1 at 1pm. The family wishes to thank the staff at Byron Manor for their compassionate care during difficult times.
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