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Joan "Jo" Van Klootwyk
Joan "Jo" Van Klootwyk
Knoxville
A celebration of life service for Joan “Jo” Van Klootwyk, will be held Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. Family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 4:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Gosport Cemetery following the service.
Memorials may be made to the Knoxville Humane Society.
Joan “Jo” Marie Van Klootwyk, 89, passed away August 17, 2025, at Mill Pond Independent Living Center. She was born January 23, 1936, in Gladwin, Iowa, the daughter of Grace M. (Wilson) Crossley and Paul D. Crossley Sr.
Joan graduated from Columbus Junction High School, Class of 1954. Following graduation, she went to beauty school in Des Moines. Afterwards she opened a salon in Des Moines, Iowa, for five years. She married Bethel D. Van Klootwyk on April 4, 1964, in Knoxville, Iowa. For many years, they operated a hog and crop farming operation.
Joan was deeply involved in her community, serving as a 4-H leader and 4-H extension service and volunteering with the Twin Cedars PTA and Band Committee. She found joy in the simple things-gardening, sewing, cooking, and especially baking homemade bread. She also loved to crochet, creating beautiful pieces for family and friends. At home, Joan was a loving and practical mother, known for her familiar reminder to her children as they walked through the door: “Take off your shoes and wash your hands!” – a phrase that perfectly captured her caring, no – nonsense spirit.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by husband, Bethel D Van Klootwyk; sister, Pauline Hall; and brother, Paul Jr. Crossley.
Joan is survived by three daughters and one son: Lori Van Klootwyk (Lejon), Logan Van Klootwyk (Angee), LuAnn Jahner (Shane), and Loretta Schouten (Craig); seven grand kids: Emily Freund (Alex), Alissa Van Klootwyk, Heath Van Klootwyk, Spencer Markley, Ella Schouten, Jack Schouten, and Keaton Van Klootwyk; two great grandchildren: Claire Freund and Chloe Freund; along with many relatives and friends.
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