JoAnn Darlene Braaksma, 77, of rural New Sharon, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, at the Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Union Mills Christian Church at 10:30 a.m. Burial was in the West Liberty Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Hospice Serenity House.
JoAnn Darlene Braaksma was born on May 13, 1937, to Rich (Ryk) and Nellie (Tigchelaar) Van Doorn. JoAnn married Lee Edward DeHoedt on July 8, 1955, at the Montezuma Methodist Chapel. To this union three children were born, Dale, Dean, and Diane. For 35 years, they spent most of their life farming and milking cows. Lee passed away in 1986. JoAnn then married Robert Braaksma on June 7, 1997, by the flower garden at home.
JoAnn was a lifelong resident of the area and enjoyed her flower gardens, flea markets, sewing, dancing, and all the grandkids and great-grandkids. She will be remembered in our hearts as a very hard worker and a kind heart who would help anyone out. She accepted Jesus as her savior on Jan. 6, 2011.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lee DeHoedt; and two siblings, Jerry Van Doorn and Nellie Polka.
JoAnn is survived by her loving husband Bob Braaksma; two sons, Dale (Debbie) DeHoedt and Dean (Dodie) DeHoedt; one daughter, Diane DeHoedt of Marion; three stepsons, Gene Braaksma, Curtis (Jann) Braaksma, and Ron Braaksma, all of Lynnville; three granddaughters, Ashley (Trevor) Conrad of Wellman, Katie DeHoedt of Cedar Rapids, Sarah (Chad) Brendlinger of Gilman; two grandsons, Casey DeHoedt of Cedar Rapids and Brian Thomas of Oskaloosa.
