Joann H Van Boogard

Joann Van Boogard, age 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Born on October 17, 1935, Joann lived a full and generous life marked by kindness, devotion, and quiet strength.

Joann graduated from Appleton High School on June 3, 1954. She married Eugene Van Boogard on July 17, 1958.  They honeymooned in Canada.  They later enjoyed other road trips, circling Lake Superior, exploring the rugged beauty of the Badlands, Mount Rushmore and Glacier National Park.  They also traveled to the Agawa Canyon with their daughters Julie and Sara and son in law Jim.

Before her marriage, Joann worked at the telephone company and the Appleton School District. Her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and gentle spirit touched many lives.

Joann’s caring nature extended deeply into her personal life. She lovingly cared for Eugene after his diagnosis with MS and also took on the role of caregiver for her parents. Her compassion knew no bounds.

Known affectionately by her family as the "animal whisperer," Joann had a lifelong love of animals—especially cats and dogs. She gave shelter to several stray cats over the years and found deep joy in the companionship of animals, including her son’s beloved dog, Emma, who brought her great comfort during visits to the nursing home.

A lover of nature, Joann took pride in keeping her home and yard beautiful—a value instilled in her by her father, a landscaper. She delighted in flowers, birds, and time spent outdoors. Her yard was often a peaceful haven filled with color and life, reflecting her own vibrant and nurturing soul.

Joann is survived by her children: Kathy (Kebin) Schmitz of Darboy, Julie (Jim) Weyenberg of Little Chute, Dave (Karen) Van Boogard of Darboy, and Sara Van Boogard of Oshkosh; grandchildren: Nick (Amber) Weyenberg, Lucas (Katie) Weyenberg, Alicia (Nick) Peeters, and Audrey Asteria; great grandchildren: Ava, Lainey, Adelyn, and Beau Weyenberg, Aria, Jemma, and Owen Weyenberg, Grace, Miles, and Graham Peeters; and sister-in-law, Margaret Verstegen. She is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Eugene Van Boogard; her parents: Eric Sr. and Agnes Gelbke; siblings: Eric Jr. and Dolores (William) Gear; in-laws: Theodore and Nell Vanden Boogard; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Jim) Malone, brothers-in-law: Gene Verstegen, Alois (Mary Jean) Vanden Boogard, and Joe (Mary) Vanden Boogard.

Private services for Joann will be held. Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, Little Chute, has been entrusted to assist the family during this time. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of St. Paul Elder Services for the exceptional care and kindness Joann received. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St. Paul Elder Services, 316 E. 14th St., Kaukauna in Joann’s honor.