JoAnn Van Hoesen
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A Celebration of Life for JoAnn Van Hoesen, 95, Lawrence, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. A burial will follow at Prairie City Cemetery, Baldwin City, Kansas. The family will greet friends and family from 5:00 ~ 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023, at the mortuary. JoAnn passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
JoAnn was born to Marshall and Letha Churchbaugh on November 21, 1927, in Douglas County where she spent the majority of her life. She attended the Willow Springs one-room school and upon receiving a full scholarship, graduated from the Lawrence Business School in 1944.
On April 10, 1946, JoAnn was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Gene Van Hoesen, in Colorado Springs. There they managed the family business, later moving to Albuquerque to own a hardware store. In 1951, they returned to Lawrence, where they spent the remainder of their 63 years together. Family and friends will remember JoAnn by her engaging personality, caring heart, and beautiful smile.
The epitome of the dedicated life partner, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, JoAnn was the quintessential “people person”. She was an accomplished gardener, world traveler, and possessed outstanding culinary and hosting skills. She loved music, theater, and the Jayhawks. For over 30 years, she and Gene hosted KU international students many of whom remained an active part of her life. Over the decades, she volunteered for many local organizations including PTA, Boy and Girl Scouts, Farmland Auxiliary, Lawrence Memorial Auxiliary, and the Kaw Valley Blue Bird Association. JoAnn was employed in various garden centers in Lawrence including the Garden Land, Clinton Parkway Nursey, and Uptown Garden. JoAnn moved to Brandon Woods in 2019, where she thrived as an active resident. The family extends its gratitude to her “family and friends” for providing her with such joyful memories and happy times.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband and son-in-law, Les Harrod, JoAnn is survived by sister, Carol Smell, Ottawa, KS, brother, Ron Churchbaugh, Shawnee, KS sister in law, Marion Sullivan, St Marys, OH, son, Robert (Barbara) Van Hoesen, Tucson, AZ, daughter, Cheryl Harrod, Lawrence, KS. Four grandchildren, Matthew (Courtney) Van Hoesen Sarasota, FL, Emily (Jason) Ford, Overland Park, KS, Lee Ann Van Hoesen, Tucson, AZ, and Megan (Troy) Goff, Lawrence, KS, and six great-grandchildren.
The family will greet friends from 5:00 ~ 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023, at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made in JoAnn’s name to Visiting Nurses Association or LMH Health Foundation – Volunteer Services and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I loved talking with Joann. She was so sweet and she lit up a room with her smile. She was soft spoken, polite, and so kind. She is already missed.
Thinking of you Cheryl! Your mom sounds so special.. just like you!
Sympathy, thoughts and prayers coming your way Cheryl.
Love You,
Janet Fike
I remember JoAnn fondly. I grew up at the other end of the street and can remember walking by her house, she was often gardening out front. She was always so friendly and nice to me. I am sorry for your loss and send thoughts and prayers.
Dear Cheryl & family-thinking of you in the passing of your beautiful mom, with the sweet, sweet smile. We treasure our memories of contacts through the years. With love, Nomi & family
I’m so sorry for your loss, Cheryl. My thoughts are with you! ❤️
To all the Family,
I am sad to learn of our family matriarch’s passing.
I am joyful that she has been reunited with Gene!
There must have been a huge celebration in Heaven
when she arrived. To know JoAnn was to love her.
She had a zest for life that was infectious.
My love and prayers of comfort go out to the family.
I am so grateful to have known JoAnn. I will miss her terribly
Joann was more than a friend, she was like family, her, Gene, Bud and I did so much
Together over the years,
Joann was special in ever way, I’m sorry for your loss, but what good memories she left
All of us.
With love,
Shirley Jardon
I am so sad to hear that Joann is not with us anymore. She was such a wonderful and warm person and I feel so privileged to have known her. My warmest thoughts are with you, Sheryl, and your family.
Love from your Danish “sister”
JoAnn was my cousin and I dearly adored her. Even though we were miles apart we still keep in touch. She will be missed. Rest in peace my dear Cousin.
Loved you so much,
Diane Montgomery Welch
So sorry to hear of this dear cousins passing! She was an extra special soul. Stayed with her and Gene during our Montgomery Family Reunion. A very qualified host and hostess. Miss her sweet sense of humor. To Cheryl and family may you find peace and comfort in the coming months.RIP JoAnn.
So sorry to hear my American mother has passed away. What a great hostess she was during all my frequent visits as a KU foreign student and later as a guest from abroad. If there would be an award for Home Hospitality she would win it! . She was such a warm loving person, who always made me feel welcome. I enjoyed many of her excellent meals with delicious pies in the end I could never refuse even if my stomach was already more than full. She and Gene had a great interest in other cultures and were the hosts to many students of different countries. This made them persons with a wide perspective of the world. And also her great sense of humor I will never forget. Anyway, a great person has gone, but the memories will live on!
Almost 36 years ago to the day I first met JoAnn. What started as a contact through the international hostfamily program evolved in a genuine friendship. I am eternally grateful for our friendship, it meant the world to me and I trust you and Gene knew. Sad to know that you are no longer in this world, yet hoping for a beautiful reunion with Gene! Love you and your beautiful family ❤️
Susan (North) Reed
So very sorry to hear of JoAnn’s passing. What a joy she always was!! JoAnn worked at Gardenland beside my Mom & Dad, and then joined them again when they started their own nursery, Clinton Parkway Nursery. I always loved being able to go out and visit her in the store! And I know JoAnn & Gene socialized with Bev and Hank on many occasions.
And then when JoAnn moved to BrandonWoods, and Mom was already there, how wonderful that was for both of them!!
JoAnn is so busy in heaven right now, getting back in touch with everyone she loves there! She is also still watching over all of you, her family and friends whom she loved so dearly.
I loved JoAnn’s smile and her joy! Whenever I could get to Kansas to visit Mom, I always would stop by to see JoAnn when I was there. I so enjoyed our visits!
Cheryl, you were her rock and her blessing! Hold her in your heart. Keep in touch…