Joan Waterlander

Joanie Waterlander, of Jenison, MI, was called home by her Heavenly Father on November 16, 2024. She was 80 years young, born on July 3, 1944, in Bay City, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob Waterlander; parents, Kenneth and Grace Randall; sisters-in-law, Veronica Thompson, Mary Asma, Margie Johnson; and brother-in-law, Gary Johnson. Joanie will be lovingly remembered by her children, Gerrit and Kristie Waterlander, Maria and Ray Denhof, Angelo and Shelby Waterlander; grandchildren, Heather, Wayne, Brenda, Kayla, Isaiah, Caleb, Noah, Gabriel, Elijah, Jacob, and Savannah; six great-grandchildren; brother, Clarke and Deb Randall; sister, Anne and Bill Brecheisen; aunt, Maxine Gabor; brothers-in-law, Frank Thompson, Al Asma; and many nieces and nephews. 

After graduating high school and going to key punch school, Joanie met her husband, Jacob of Decatur, MI through her roommate and late sister-in-law, Margie Johnson. Shortly after her marriage to Jacob, they settled down to start their family and she became a full-time housewife and loving mom. Jacob was the one to talk to her about Jesus and salvation, and she happily accepted Christ into her life. It wasn’t until after her husband passed away in 1999 that she moved from Kalamazoo to Jenison where she purchased her condo and found part-time work in the healthcare system.

Joanie’s favorite things to do besides traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren was to collect antiques and dolls, baking, doing her nails, and watching birds; especially trying to lure hummingbirds into her feeders. One of her more fun pastimes was playing and beating family in a game of Rummy, Uno, or Euchre. She loved going to church, her worship time on Sundays, and meeting her friends for coffee or breakfast. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held in memory of Joan at 11 am on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Rock Urban Church, 3710 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville, with Pastor Gary Petersen officiating. A private burial will be held at Harrison Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Wednesday one hour prior to the service at church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Rock Urban Church.