Joan “Jo” Van Klootwyk

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 in Jo’s memory.
Pallbearers are Brian Crossley, Stewart Menninga, Heath Van Klootwyk, Spencer
Markley, Jack Schouten, Keaton Van Klootwyk, and Alex Freund. Honorary pallbearer
Bill Crossley.
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.