Joanne was born and raised in Northwestern Iowa, the oldest daughter of Richard and Dorothy Van Voorst. She grew up on their family farm in Sioux Center, a small and close-knit community known for its expansive fields and rich Dutch heritage. As a young woman she left Iowa to go to school in Chicago, eventually moving to Michigan and raising her family in Stockbridge.
After raising her four children, Joanne embarked on a remarkable new chapter in her life. Obtaining certification as a Master Bodywork Therapist in 2004 and completing a Bachelor’s of Applied Science from Siena Heights University in 2006, she turned her life-long dedication to caring for others into a career and a way of life. She loved the art of massage therapy and she loved her clients and friends, who loved her back. She brought happiness and healing to those around her. Her hobbies of gardening, sewing, and cooking were a further expression of her creativity and nurturing spirit.
Joanne is survived by her daughter, Dawn Joseph and husband Jim; son Michael Randall and wife Laura; son David Randall; son Mark Randall and wife LaQuanda; grandchildren Rashelle Hamilton and husband Tripp; Tessa Joseph; Sam Sussman-Randall; Josh and Jade Randall; great-grandchildren Sophia, Everett, Violet, Salem, Adalynn, and Kaia, as well as her four siblings, Henry Van Voorst and wife Pam; Gary Van Voorst and wife Ann, Alisha Bream and husband Dale; Lyle Van Voorst and wife Jan; Sandra Grebe and husband Bill.
“Let us love and appreciate the innate beauty of living.” -Joann
A celebration of life will be held June 14th, 2025. In lieu of flowers, she has requested donations to the following: St. Louis Center, 16195 w Old US Highway 12, Chelsea MI, 48118, or Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI, 48118
