Joan R. DeYoung
January 20, 1943 – May 10, 2024
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. Joan will be laid to rest at West Cooper Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, or Centrica Care Navigators, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 81, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday morning, May 10, 2024. Joan was born in Kalamazoo on January 20, 1943, the daughter of Robert and Christina (Schafer) Lancaster. On November 11, 1967, she married David DeYoung, who survives her. Joan enjoyed gardening. She had developed an interest in growing orchids. Joan was witty and had a great sense of humor. She and Dave enjoyed travelling and always had fun, no matter what they were doing. She will be remembered as being a “world-class” shopper. She was a tidy person and a great housekeeper. She devoted herself to taking care of her family. Nothing was more important to her than her grandchildren. Besides her husband, Joan is survived by her children, Dan (Lisa) DeYoung of Otsego and Amy (David Lockwood) DeYoung of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Steve Huffstutter, Jordan (Megan) Parrish, Trevor DeYoung, Codey Bachman; great-grandson Gabriel Parrish; brother, Larry (Cathy) Lancaster; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Joan was preceded in death by her parents.
We were saddened to learn of Joan’s passing. Dan and family, please accept our condolences. Know that you all are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers during this time. We love you……
So sorry for for loss Dan and family
Sending my condolences and love to the Young family. Some of my fondest childhood memories were made at the Young household, with all ages of kids gathering to play games, rehearse plays, and organize paper/pop can drives, all under Joan’s warm hospitality, kind and watchful eye. May the many memories bring the family comfort and peace.
We lived next door to Joan and Ken on Spruce Drive. Joan was a welcoming neighbor, a calm and smiling presence even in the midst of her busy family life. She came over to our house when I went into labor in the early hours and slept on our couch until a friend came to pick up our young girls. So kind of her! It was interesting for us to read about Joan’s long life and activities after she left Spruce Drive. So many grandchildren and great-grandchildren! And all her needlework creations…. and volunteer activities. She loved her red kitchen on Spruce Drive – glad she was able to create another red kitchen at her condo! Our sympathy to all her family… Holly and Joe
My husband and I knew Joan and Ken Young through our respective jobs – many years ago. Joan was the consummate lady. Our condolences to the family. In Sympathy, Larry and Wendy Doherty
I worked at Planned Parenthood when Joan was volunteering there. She was always smiling, full of energy, generous, caring and thoughtful. I was just thinking about her a few weeks ago when I used this handy jar opener she gave me after she saw me struggling with opening something (I don’t remember what). I was really touched by her thoughtfulness, and I still use it all the time! I’ll never forget her kindness…and her sense of humor. She made me laugh more than once! I have missed her over the years, and I know you all will miss her greatly.