Joann Mary VanBuskirk

. Joann Mary VanBuskirk, age 83, of Hedrick, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center. She was born on Sunday, February 14, 1937, in Cantril, Iowa, the daughter of James H. and Elizabeth (Mellott) Engle. She attended the Bondurant High School and graduated with the class of 1957. After High School Joann joined Iowa State Bank in Des Moines and worked there for several years. On April 18, 1962, she was united in marriage to Rex VanBuskirk at Lancaster, Missouri, Rex died in 1986. Following their marriage, they moved to Oskaloosa and Joann went to work at the “Old” Continental Overall Factory. She later took a job as a Nurse’s Aide and LPN at the Mahaska County Hospital in Oskaloosa. In 1987, she took the position of manager at Hedrick Housing. She retired from there in 2007. She was a member of the Hedrick-Martinsburg United Methodist Church. She loved dirt track racing especially cheering for her family on the track. She enjoyed going for walks and watching and feeding the birds. She looked forward to the hummingbirds coming back to her feeder every spring. Most of all she delighted in spending time with her family. Her family includes her children, Sandra Amsdam of Indianola, Nancy Bertrand of Des Moines, William “Bill” (Janet) VanBuskirk of Hedrick, Scott (Christy) VanBuskirk of Hedrick, Michael (Bonnie) VanBuskirk of Packwood, Terry (Sherri) VanBuskirk of Titusville, Florida; a daughter in law, Robbie VanBuskirk; fourteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; a sister Gertrude Phillips of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Joann was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Charles “Skip” VanBuskirk; two sisters, Donna Jean Engle and Geraldine Gilbert; a brother, James Engle; and a special friend, Eugene “Jeep” Vogel. A graveside service for Joann will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 1:30 P.M. in the Brooks Cemetery near Hedrick, Iowa, with Reverend Bill Hornback officiating. There will be a private family visitation. According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and reasonable personal protective equipment is advised for attending a religious public event. The Fremont Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Hedrick Housing.

Joann Mary VanBuskirk

February 14, 1937 - May 27, 2020

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Joann Mary VanBuskirk

February 14, 1937 - May 27, 2020

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

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Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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