JoAnn K. Van Handel, Little Chute, age 68, died Saturday, January 20, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer.  She was born in Appleton on September 11, 1955 to the late Herman and Delores (Kurey) Van Handel.  JoAnn attended Plamann School until age 21.  Mom transported her and other Little Chute students to school.  JoAnn was employed at Valley Packaging and Community First Credit Union, where she just celebrated her 35th anniversary.

JoAnn loved fishing with her dad, family vacations, making birthday and holiday cards for family and friends, and especially cheering on the Brewers and Packers.  In her younger years, she enjoyed riding her bicycle around the neighborhood.  JoAnn was an avid participant with SOAR Fox Cities (Special Olympics) where she loved to bowl and play bocce ball.  She also attended the monthly SOAR Fox Cities dances.

For the past twelve years, JoAnn was able to live with her very good friends, Lois and Julie.  They were assisted by Creative Consultants and Senior Helpers to live independently. They lived it up in the "JJL House!"

JoAnn is survived by her siblings:  Joyce (William) Nagan, Freedom; Judy Ver Voort, Little Chute; Kathleen (Greg) Bluma, Appleton; and Steve (Pam) Van Handel, Little Chute; nieces and nephews:  Cheri Van Eperen, Andrew (Katrina) Nagan, Jeff (Marlene) Ver Voort, Sheila (Eric) Holmstrom, Kaylin (Tyler) Sinquefield, Matthew Bluma, and Stephanie, Emily, and Ashley (fiancé Koehler Schilling) Van Handel; great nieces and nephews:  Ethan and Lettie Nagan, Megan (Talon) Heinemeyer, Nicholas Ver Voort, Luke and Lexi Holmstrom, Hunter Bluma, and Eden and Beau Sinquefield; and great-great nieces, Dakotah and Lily Heinemeyer.  She is further survived by other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by her niece, Beverly Ver Voort and nephew-in-law, Jeffrey Van Eperen.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute) beginning at 2:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 4:00 p.m. with the Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen officiating.  Committal St. John Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Kobussen Bus and Valley Transit for getting JoAnn to work over the years.  To Community Care, Compassus Hospice, and Clarity Care, our heartfelt gratitude for the care given to JoAnn.