JoAnn Lillian Balkenende-Schiller, 77, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021, at Care Partners Assisted Living Center in Altoona, WI. JoAnn was born to Cornelius and Olga Balkenende on August 27, 1943, at Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids. Her father, Cornelius, came to America from Axel, Netherlands at the age of 9. He married his wife Olga, JoAnn’s mother, in 1929. Together, they worked hard farming and raising 4 daughters. JoAnn was the youngest of the girls. She graduated from Auburndale Union High School in 1961. She lived in Colorado for much of her adult life, but always considered Wisconsin her home. JoAnn had a gypsy spirit and loved travel and adventure. She could make the best potato salad you ever had, and never met an ice cream cone she didn’t love. She was the queen of the dance floor and especially loved to line dance. She has a beautiful spirit, and her smile could light up any room. JoAnn will be greatly missed but we take comfort in knowing through our faith we will see her again. She trusted the Lord’s words that “Those who believe in Me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die” (John 11:25, 26).
JoAnn was preceded by her parents, and survived by her 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 1 great-granddaughter:
Tim (Wendy) Schiller – Zach (Keishla), Alyssa (J.C. – Hayden) Murrey, Amanda
Vicki (Michael) Eide – Joshua, Jason
Steve (Debbie) Schiller – Logan
Scott Schiller – Hunter, Ella, Trapper, Fisher
Jeremy (Olga) Schiller – Kylee (Jim) Carey, Lilyana, Evelyn
She is also survived by her sisters Margaret Townsend, Florence Edens, and Eleanora Caira.
She will live in our hearts until we meet again.
Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com
Author: News Desk
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