Passed away peacefully with her family around her and went to be home with her Lord and Savior at the age of 84 on Friday morning June 4, 2021.  She was preceded in death by son Bill, daughter Jean Roskamp, and her husband Lewis of 58 years, brother Henry Waanders, brothers and sisters in law Carl Sinke, Judy Hofstra Waanders, Wally and Corrine Brasser, nephew Dan Waanders.  She is survived by children Jane Brasser (Steve Shaver), Bob (Linda) Brasser, Sue Hoeksema (Scott), son in law Mike Roskamp (Sandy), daughter in law Lynda Latzko Brasser; grandchildren Justin (Hilary), Meghan and Nathan Brasser, Katelyn and Kyle (Kristen) Roskamp, Daniel and Steven Hoeksema;  great-grandchildren Silas and Lewis Brasser; foster grandchildren Joseph Diing, Kuening Par, Jiech Jagah & their families;     brothers and sisters:  John Waanders, Cora Mae Sinke, Marilyn Waanders, Jeane Diekema (Tony), Bill Waanders (Pat), Judy Wiers (Bob), many nieces and nephews.  The family wishes to thank the Harrison Home in Cedarburg and Horizon Hospice for their exceptional compassion and care of our mom during her last weeks.

 JoAnne was the fifth of seven children of Doores and Grada Waanders and was born in Hospers, Iowa. She attended the Orange City Christian School through 2nd grade, attended and graduated from the Hull Christian School, and then in 1954 graduated from Western Christian High School.  It was important to her parents that all their children go to college.  All are Calvin College Alumni, JoAnne graduating from Calvin College (now University) with a B.A. in Elementary Education in 1958.  While in college she also worked at Pine Rest.  Her first teaching position was at Denver Christian School teaching 3rd grade.  She met her husband, Lewis Brasser while in college – a blind date.  They married in the summer of 1959 and settled in the Milwaukee area, JoAnne teaching in the Brown Deer school district. 

 In 1966 they moved to Brookfield and raised their 5 children.  JoAnne was very involved in the Brookfield Christian Reformed Church, and the Milwaukee (now Brookfield) Christian School and spent countless hours volunteering in both.  JoAnne went back to teaching in 1983, teaching Kindergarten at Milwaukee Christian School until 2003.  After retirement she enjoyed spending more time with her husband and seeing more of her children and grandchildren.  However, she did not completely stop being involved in MCS as she became a substitute teacher and volunteered in the library.  In addition, she substituted in the Elmbrook School District until she resigned at the age of 80.  She enjoyed biking, cross country skiing, vacationing, reading, playing games, doing puzzles, chatting over coffee, lending a listening ear, keeping in touch with family and friends, always interested in what they were up to, and there was always laughter when together.  As JoAnne’s health declined she continued to have a sweet smile and a kind and gentle spirit and will be missed by all who knew her.

 Visitation will be held at Becker Ritter Funeral home in Brookfield on Monday June 21 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.  A celebration of JoAnne’s life will be held at Brookfield Christian Reformed Church on Tuesday June 22 at 11:00 AM.  Prior to the service there will be a visitation from 9:30 – 10:45 AM at the church.  After the service there will be a time of fellowship at the church with a light lunch and refreshments. 

 

Burial will be following the luncheon at Wisconsin Memorial Park.   

 

If so desired, memorials to Brookfield Christian School Foundation or Brookfield Christian Reformed Church (designate:  Missions Fund).