Joan Marie Vlaanderen

Joan Marie Vlaanderen, 80, passed away peacefully at Holy Spirit Retirement Home in Sioux City, Iowa on August 1, 2019, after a four year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  Visitation with the family present will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Logan Park Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.  Online condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapels.com.   Memorial:  In lieu of flowers please donate to the Bishop Heelan Scholarship Fund.

Joan was born October 13, 1938 in Sioux City, the daughter of John and Marie (Dougherty) Berkemier. 

She graduated from Bishop Heelan High school in 1957, and later received her nursing degree.

Joan married Thomas Vlaanderen on October 19, 1957 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  To this union, four children were born.  Tom died on September 10, 1997.

Joan cared for many patients during her years as a nurse for several clinics and Marian Health Center.   She was also devoted to the full time care of her husband, Thomas, who suffered for 20 long years from the debilitating effects of Rheumatoid arthritis.   Joan was also employed as a secretary for the Sioux City Carpenter’s Union in later life before she ultimately retired to enjoy her family and friends.

Joan was an avid sports fan who never missed a game watching her four children and grandchildren play ball.  She was a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan who also loved her Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  Joan loved antiques, politics, fishing, dancing and raising her beloved English Springer Spaniels.  She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Survivors include her children:  Scott Vlaanderen of Sioux City, Jeff (Della) Vlaanderen of Sioux City, Todd (Lesley) Vlaanderen of Sioux City, and Suzann (Jerry) Vlaanderen Smith of Omaha, NE; 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marie (Dougherty) Berkemier, Husband, Thomas Vlaanderen, Brother, Kenneth Berkemier, and Sister, Helen Richmond.