Funeral Service video: https://www.facebook.com/SmitsFH/videos/1300206550455599
Joanne De Vries, nee Beukema, age 79, passed away on Monday, January 31, 2022 in Crown Point, Indiana. Joanne was born March 18, 1942 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, to John and Alice (Ouwenga) Beukema, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Herman J. De Vries, Sr., her brother William (Tess) Beukema, her sister Marlene (Joe) Brannon; Joanne’s children Herman J. (Renée) De Vries, Jr., Laura L. (Steven) Van Deel; grandchildren Sarah (Alex) Baas, Alyssa Van Deel, Herman David De Vries, Duncan Van Keulen, Stephanie Van Deel, Corinna De Vries, Amber Van Keulen, and Vincent Van Deel. She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Amy Katt De Vries.
Joanne was a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, creating a neat and comfortable home, spending time with dear friends, and, above all, spending time with her grandchildren. Joanne lived out her strong faith in quiet devotion and in many unsung acts of charity. She spent 20 years teaching preschool at Family Life Child Development in South Holland, Illinois. She was also involved for many years in various ministries at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Lansing, Illinois.
A private funeral service will be held Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN.
Joanne endured a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease during her final eight years, with the last four years under loving care at Wittenberg Village. Gifts in memory of Joanne can be made to the Commitment 26 Patient Assistance Fund, Wittenberg Village 1200 E. Luther Dr. Crown Point, Indiana 46307.
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