Josephine Vanausdoll

Josephine "Joan" Vanausdoll
Jerseyville - Josephine Ann "Joan" Vanausdoll, 94, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Jerseyville Manor, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on October 3, 1931 in Jerseyville, one of two daughters born to the late Peter Edward and Mary (Kadell) Arter. A proud member of the Jersey Community High School Class of 1949, Joan grew up in a time when hard work, faith, and family were the cornerstones of life and she carried those values with her every single day that followed. In her younger years, she worked at the Stadium Theater and Brown Shoe Company, both in Jerseyville, before finding her lifelong calling in the legal field. For nearly four decades, Joan served her community. First as a Legal Secretary and Court Reporter for Jersey County, and later alongside attorney George Wittman for 20 years until her retirement. On September 21, 1955, Joan married Donald "Don" Vanausdoll at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville. From that day on, they were a team in every sense of the word. Together they built a life grounded in faith, laughter, and love, raising four sons, traveling often, cheering from bleachers, and welcoming each new generation with joy. Don preceded her in death on October 10, 2006, and though she missed him deeply, Joan carried on with strength and gratitude, never forgetting the blessings they shared.
Joan or "Grandma V" as she was affectionately known, was the heart of her family. She was generous to a fault, faithful without wavering, and fiercely proud of the life she built. Her home was a comforting gathering place filled with warmth and laughter. She found joy in the simple things: the sound of her grandchildren's laughter, a Sunday Mass at St. Francis, or a road trip with Don. Faith and family were everything to her. She thanked God daily for both, and leaned on Him in life's hardest moments, including the unimaginable losses of her son and three grandchildren. Her strength through those storms was quiet, steadfast, and rooted in the belief that love endures. She often told her children and their spouses that watching your children and grandchildren grow up was "the best time of your life." And for her, it truly was. Surviving are three sons and their wives, Mike and Kim Vanausdoll of Findlay, Marty and Shelley Vanausdoll of Jerseyville, and Mark and Bev Vanausdoll of Jerseyville; a daughter-in-law, Sheri Vanausdoll of Jerseyville; along with her grandchildren who made her world complete, Jared (Chelsea) Vanausdoll of Tuscola, Bradley (Corrine) Vanausdoll of Arthur, Shawn (Jessica) Vanausdoll of Arthur, Jamie (John) Williams of Kane, Brooke Vanausdoll and her fiance, Zach Nance, of Carlinville, Marissa (Dylan) Griffith of Jerseyville, Chris (Ashley) Vanausdoll of Jerseyville, Josh (Katie) Vanausdoll of Jerseyville, Andrew Vanausdoll (Michael LaVanier) of St. Charles, Missouri, Jason Vanausdoll of Jerseyville, Leigh Ann Vanausdoll (Kevin Margeson) of Springfield, and Craig (Stephanie) Vanausdoll of Jerseyville; as well as 27 great-grandchildren, and one more on the way. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marlene Schmidt of Wabasha, Minnesota; her beloved nieces and nephews, Kim (Mike) Fitzgibbons, Jim Heitzig, Kevin (Linda) Heitzig, and Jane (Chuck) Amburg, all of Jerseyville, who she loved as if they were her own; and countless extended family members, friends, and loved ones who were blessed by her generosity, her example, and her grace. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Marlon Vanausdoll; three grandchildren, Ryan, Kara, and Kyle Vanausdoll; and her sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Gerald Heitzig. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, October 13, 2025 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 14 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, with burial following at St. Francis Cemetery in Jerseyville.
Memorials may be given to St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School, in honor of Joan's enduring faith and love for her parish community. Joan's life was one defined by love. A love that asked for nothing, expected nothing, and gave everything. She lived her faith quietly, served others humbly, and left behind a legacy that will outlast lifetimes. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her work here is done, her faith is fulfilled, and that she is now home and reunited with her family she missed so dearly, likely smiling down, with gratitude in her heart and peace in her soul. Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.