Joan M. Verstegen, Little Chute, age 71, died Tuesday, July 4, 2017. She was born in Kaukauna on August 29, 1945 to the late Clarence and Eunice (Van Dalen) Pennings. Joan married James A. Verstegen at St. Paul Parish in Combined Locks on February 14, 1969. Her hobbies included sewing elaborate costumes for her daughter's crazy Halloween ideas and reattaching an occasional button for her grandson, reading a good Amish novel and then passing them on to another book lover, cooking, and riding their motorcycle. She loved shopping at many local thrift shops. What jubilation she would find in locating a Mexican throw blanket. Joan also enjoyed going to Lake Park Swim and Fitness. She retired from Schenck Business Solutions in 2008. In retirement, she enjoyed wintering in central Florida. There, she also took part in water aerobics and took many trips to "the Square" in the golf cart. Many nights were also spent with Florida friends playing games or cards.

Joan is survived by her husband of 48 years, James; children: Carrie (Doug) Hietpas, Kaukauna; and James M. "Jamie" (Kristin) of Appleton; grandchildren: Garret Harp, Nathanial, Grant and Eloise Verstegen; great grandson, Levi Harp; brother and sister: Gerald (Grace) Pennings and Christy Pennings; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Barbara Pennings, Gary Kuborn, Donna Verstegen, Bonnie Pomo and Timothy Verstegen. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her siblings: Charles Pennings and Shirley Kuborn; and her father and mother-in-law: Harold and Rosella (Grode) Verstegen.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 10, 2017 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 2:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. The Rev. Ronald Belitz will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, we ask: In honor of Joan's love of cooking and sharing how she made the dish, please bring a salad or dessert to the funeral along with a recipe card for your dish. We will use the recipe cards to create a memorial cookbook.