Joe Schutte

Johannes “Joe” Schutte was born December 28, 1932, to Albertus and Petronella (Van Harten) Schutte, in Zuidlaren, Drente, The Netherlands.  Joe grew up there and survived the German occupation. With little future prospects in his homeland, he immigrated, via the ship Nieuw Amsterdam II, to the United States on December 20, 1950, at the age of 17.  He first settled with his aunt and uncle on a farm near Tracy, Iowa. Joe then worked in Michigan before he became a U.S. citizen, and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953. He was stationed in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1955.

On August 24, 1956, he was united in marriage to Shirley L. Vande Lune, at her parents’ home where they live today. They just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary a week ago. To this union they were blessed with three children:  Sue, Jeff, and Stephanie. 

Joe worked for Pella Corp./Rolscreen for 42 years and “retired” in 1997. His passions were a meticulous yard, keeping informed on the news, and supporting family. He was happy whether it was a newspaper or a book in hand. An avid traveler, he spent winters in New Zealand and Australia where he did hiking, kayaking, fishing, and other firsts with family and friends.

Opa was adored by his grandkids! Actively involved in their lives from birth, he was a wise and fun contributor to their growing years to be respectful, responsible and hard working adults. To this day, Sunday family dinners are a highlight, good food and family times were the best!

He made profession of faith at Tracy Christian Reformed Church, yet he was a life-long member of First Christian Reformed Church here in Pella. He was known for driving mission trucks to Mississippi over the years and was proud to have been a multiple gallon blood donor far into his 80’s.  

Joe helped Shirley with quilting, and he supported the quality of Shirley’s work laying out quilts and being her helper. His quality control experience from Pella Corp definitely carried over to helping Shirley!

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Shirley, and their family:

Sue and Gary Bottema of Chandler, Arizona

            Jon Bottema of Hattiesburg, Mississippi

            Michelle Bottema of Auckland, New Zealand

Jeff and Tamie (Bingham) Schutte of Harvey, Iowa

            Joseph Schutte of Des Moines, Iowa

            Joe and Sarah (Schutte) Cerwinski of Perry, Iowa

Stephanie and Brett Nossaman of Pella, Iowa

            Hunter Nossaman of West Des Moines, Iowa

            Kenzie Nossaman of West Des Moines, Iowa

Joe is also survived by two sisters who live in the Netherlands: Ali Enter and Jannie Schutte; and one brother, Jaap Schutte.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Albertus and Petronella Schutte, three brothers, two sisters-in-law, and one brother-in-law in the Netherlands. Additionally, his parents-in-law William and Lena (Vander Wiel) Vande Lune, six brothers-in-law and five sisters-in-law.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.