Joan E. Verkamp, 97

Joan was born in Louisville, KY on February 13, 1924 to Rupert and Emma (Hollinden) Klueh. She married James F. Verkamp on July 10, 1945 in Bremerton, Washington. The shared 65 years of marriage and were blessed with nine children. 

Joan was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her heart and home were always open and welcoming. Nothing gave her more pleasure than family vacations and short visits or lengthy stay overs by her beloved family members at “grandma’s house”.    She also made time to create ceramics, quilling artwork and greeting cards. Not only was she an accomplished and prolific crafts woman who shared her work with family and friends, but her creativity and artistic temperament radiated and overflowed into all aspects of her life. She was an engaging conversationalist whose wit and flair for colorful language was a constant source of surprise and delight for all who knew her.    After her children were grown she worked outside the home for Gentlemen’s Quarters, The House of Yesteryear, and Holiday Foods. She also enjoyed her years volunteering in the Ferdinand Elementary School cafeteria which allowed her to see her grandchildren daily. Joan was a lifelong member of Christ the King Parish. She was a charter member, past president, and 76 year continuous member of the Ferdinand American Legion Auxiliary Post 124. She also served as a longtime member of the Daughters of Isabella. 

Joan is survived by Diane (Paul) Winkler of Jasper, daughter-in-law Maureen Verkamp of Louisville, KY, Doris Verkamp of Charleston, IL, Donna Henry of Ferdinand, Debra Verkamp of Ferdinand, Deane (Sabrina) Verkamp of Ferdinand, Daren (Teressa) Verkamp of Oxford, PA, 12 grandchildren, 10 great- grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Doretha (James) Wahl and sisters-in-law Judy (‘Brewster’) Klueh and Edwina (Leo) Wahl.  

She was proceeded in death by her parents Rupert and Emma Klueh, her husband James Verkamp, sons Donald Verkamp, Duane Verkamp, daughter Doria Verkamp and brothers Donald ’Sonny’ Klueh and Earl ‘Brewster’ Klueh.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EDT at Christ the King Parish, St. Ferdinand Church on Wednesday, December 22. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. EDT with burial to follow in the church cemetery. 

The family requests that masks be worn and social distancing guidelines be followed. Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com.