JoAnn Van Handel

JoAnn K. Van Handel - Little Chute - Age 68, died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Appleton on Sept. 11, 1955, to the late Herman and Delores (Kurey) Van Handel. JoAnn attended Plamann School until age 21. Mom transported her and other Little Chute students to school. JoAnn was employed at Valley Packaging and Community First Credit Union, where she just celebrated her 35^th anniversary. JoAnn loved fishing with her dad, family vacations, making birthday and holiday cards for family and friends, and especially cheering on the Brewers and Packers. In her younger years, she enjoyed riding her bicycle around the neighborhood. JoAnn was an avid participant with SOAR Fox Cities (Special Olympics) where she loved to bowl and play bocce ball. She also attended the monthly SOAR Fox Cities dances. For the past 12 years, JoAnn was able to live with her very good friends, Lois and Julie. They were assisted by Creative Consultants and Senior Helpers to live independently. They lived it up in the “JJL House!” JoAnn is survived by her siblings: Joyce (William) Nagan, Freedom; Judy Ver Voort, Little Chute; Kathleen (Greg) Bluma, Appleton; and Steve (Pam) Van Handel, Little Chute; nieces and nephews: Cheri Van Eperen, Andrew (Katrina) Nagan, Jeff (Marlene) Ver Voort, Sheila (Eric) Holmstrom, Kaylin (Tyler) Sinquefield, Matthew Bluma, and Stephanie, Emily, and Ashley (fiancé Koehler Schilling) Van Handel; great nieces and nephews: Ethan and Lettie Nagan, Megan (Talon) Heinemeyer, Nicholas Ver Voort, Luke and Lexi Holmstrom, Hunter Bluma, and Eden and Beau Sinquefield; and great-great nieces: Dakotah and Lily Heinemeyer. She is further survived by other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by her niece: Beverly Ver Voort and nephew-in-law: Jeffrey Van Eperen. The funeral Mass was held Jan. 30 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Little Chute, with the Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen officiating. Committal St. John Cemetery. To sign the guest book please visit oconnellfh.com. The family would like to thank Kobussen Bus and Valley Transit for getting JoAnn to work over the years. To Community Care, Compassus Hospice, and Clarity Care, our heartfelt gratitude for the care given to JoAnn.

O’CONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute 920-788-6237