Joan VanOosten

oan Joyce VanOosten (née DeVries), affectionately known by many friends and family as Joey, passed away on September 19, 2025, at Park Village Pines Crystal Woods at the age of 88. Born on August 14, 1937, in Kalamazoo, she was the cherished daughter of Peter and Josie (Bussema) DeVries.

Joan was a devoted and faithful wife to her late husband, Franklin VanOosten, whom she married on August 19, 1955, at Third Reformed Church. The couple celebrated their 69th anniversary last summer, marking a lifelong journey of love and companionship. Joan was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.

Joan was a member of Third Reformed (Centerpoint) Church where she and Franklin were very active members. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, reflected in her involvement in various church groups including ladies' groups, Bible studies, and Senior Groups. Joan enjoyed cooking and serving at church functions, and she found joy in playing the piano both at home and for events at church and Park Village Pines.

Her hobbies included fishing, bird watching, and traveling with Franklin to destinations including India, Alaska, and Hawaii, and enjoying simple pleasures like visiting the farmers market or going for drives. They also enjoyed volunteer work at the Cancer Center for many years, where they drove patients to appointments.

She is survived by her children, Douglas (Patricia) VanOosten, Dennis (Kay) VanOosten, Michelle (Kevin) Mejeur, Mark (Pamela) VanOosten; 17 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Howard (Anne) DeVries. Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband Franklin , her parents, and her brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Wilma DeVries.

Visitation will be held at Langeland Family Funeral Home, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009, on Sunday, September 28, from 12 to 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, or Park Village Pines, 2920 Crystal Ln, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

Joan will be laid in eternal rest beside Franklin at Grand Prairie Cemetery in Kalamazoo

Please visit Joan's memorial webpage to share condolences and memories with her family at https://www.Langelands.com