Joan C. Kerkhoff

Joan Carol Kerkhoff, age 89, of Quincy, died on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 9:08 a.m. in Salem Township Hospital in Salem, IL after a long and courageous battle with numerous chronic illnesses.

Joan was born on December 19, 1934, in Quincy, a daughter of Edward and Alta Cate Kopsieker of Paloma, IL. On October 22, 1955, she married Joseph Don Lorenzo Kerkhoff in Quincy. He preceded her in death on August 29, 2020, just before their 65th anniversary.

Joan was a 1952 graduate of Camp Point High School. She has worked as a home health aide at Blessing Hospital until her retirement on December 9, 1990. From 1991 to 1992, she worked at Vermont Street Day Care Center. Previous to her work at Blessing, Joan had been a private housekeeper, and she had worked for six years as a housekeeper at Sunset Home. From 1953 to 1958, she was a nurse's aide at St. Mary Hospital.

Joan was a member of Vermont Street United Methodist Church and the Double Ring Class. She and Joseph served coffee in the gathering place and in Sunday school after Sunday services for many years. At four years old, Joan showed her love for God's creatures by helping mama cats put kittens in the hay loft. Now, loyal Mr. Madison is her 23rd and final cat.

Joan is survived by her son, Jeffrey Kerkhoff of Quincy; three nieces: Pat Haroz of Quincy; Marilyn (Mark) Foley of Pingree Grove, IL; and Therese (Robert) McNary of Lima, IL; five nephews: George (Mary) Newbanks of Quincy; Russell (Trish) Newbanks of Quincy; Marvin Kerkhoff of Quincy; Kevin Kerkhoff of UT; and Dennis Kerkhoff of UT; two boys that held a special place in her heart: Robert Earl and Ryan Jude; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

In addition to her husband, Joseph, Joan was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: Alice Vogel and Doris Rischar.

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home and 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Service: 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Rachel Stockle officiating.

Interment: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, IL

Memorials: Vermont Street United Methodist Church, Sunset Home, or Quincy Humane Society. Memorial donations may be made online at: https://memorials.hansenspear.com/.

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.