Joan Beth Roozeboom was born in 1956, the fourth child of Gilbert and Bertha Roozeboom. Her cheerful Down Syndrome personality blessed her family and friends in countless ways. Anyone acquainted with her knows her birthday was May 5.

Joan was baptized as a covenant child on May 27, 1956. Even as a little girl, she loved Jesus. She publicly professed her faith in Christ at Calvary Christian Reformed Church on February 1, 1987. Friendship Bible Study was an important part of her life.

When Joan was nine years old, she took special educational classes held during the week at Calvary Christian Reformed Church. She then lived with the Weber Berger family in Rock Valley, Iowa, for two years while attending Hope Haven school. Joan's father, Gilbert, worked tirelessly for years to help establish an organization in Pella that would benefit Joan. When she was twelve, she began classes with Christian Opportunity Center at Second Reformed Church.

In 1982, Joan entered COC's residential living program, where she lived happily in different homes. She participated in Special Olympics and group trips to several places, including Omaha and Disney World. Joan liked to have fun and playfully teased her family and friends when given the opportunity. She enjoyed doing her job and earning a paycheck at COC's sheltered workshop, wearing multiple watches and other jewelry, dusting furniture, and going out to eat. She loved people and birthdays. Her own birthday was the highlight of her year. As soon as the sun set on one, she began to anticipate the next. She had difficulty communicating, but could recite birthdates for every member of her family, including her siblings' spouses, their children, and even some of those children's spouses.

When Joan was no longer able to go to work each day, she began wandering and required full-time nursing care. She still enjoyed coloring and making bead jewelry. She lived for a time in the Pleasant Care Living Center in Pleasantville, where her foster sister, Betty, worked. She then lived two and a half years at Southern Hills Specialty Care in Osceola, before moving to West Ridge Specialty Care in Knoxville on March 7, 2012. During all those years, her parents faithfully drove to visit her at least once a week.

The Lord took Joan to her eternal birthday party on Thursday, January 12. Those waiting to join her include her parents, Gilbert and Bertha Roozeboom of Pella, as well as her siblings and their families:

Keith and Kate Roozeboom of Pella
Russ and Amanda Roozeboom of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Doug and Heather Roozeboom of Palos Heights, Illinois
Brayden
Justin and Jordan Roozeboom of Broomfield, Colorado
Harper
Schuyler and Corenna Roozeboom of Chicago, Illinois

Beverly and Allen Van Haaften of Pella
Spencer and Kate Van Haaften of Des Moines
Brynley and Camilla
Kelly and Kevin Jansma of Ankeny
Trey, Anderson, and Henry
Miranda Bruxvoort of Des Moines
Wyatt

Glenda and David Mathes of Pella
Seth and Sarah Mathes of Cedar Rapids
Gabe, Logan, and Wes
Kirk and Andrea Mathes
Winston
Ariel and Nick Sponsler
Layton, Barrett, and Theo
Bethany and Patrick Stanley of Greenbelt, Maryland
Lucy

Kevin and Alicia Roozeboom of Pella
Joshua and Leah Roozeboom of Harrisburg, South Dakota
Abigail, Ashton, Cadence, and Caleb
Joe and Susan Roozeboom of Long Grove
Cole and Sadie
Cody and Sarah Roozeboom
Adelaide

Kraig and Norma Roozeboom of Manhattan, Kansas
Andrew and Jennifer Roozeboom
Hendrik
Rachel and Chad Stelk
Neyland and Colton
Jonathan Roozeboom of Dallas, Texas

Betty and Noel Kerr of Pleasantville
Trenton Emal and fiancAC.e Sarah

Many friends and caregivers also grieve the loss of Joan. Her paternal and maternal grandparents are already at the party.

Visitation

3:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Family will be present 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

Funeral Services

10:30 A.M., Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Pella, Iowa

Memorials

West Ridge – Activities Department in Knoxville or
Christian Opportunity Center in Pella

Family

Parents: Gilbert and Bertha Roozeboom, Pella
Brothers: Keith and Kate Roozeboom, Pella
Kevin and Alicia Roozeboom, Pella
Kraig and Norma Roozeboom, Manhattan, Kansas
Sisters: Beverly and Allen Van Haaften, Pella
Glenda and Dave Mathes, Pella
Betty and Noel Kerr, Pleasantville