Cornelia Joanne Yonker, age 89, passed away on August 3, 2024, in Grand Rapids, MI, after a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Joanne was born on June 25, 1935, in Worthington, Minnesota, along with her twin brother Cornelius. Her parents were Matthew Wolterstorff and Agnes (Feenstra). Tragically, Agnes passed away shortly after giving birth, and Joanne and her siblings were lovingly raised by their father Matthew and stepmother Jennie (Hanenburg).

Joanne was preceded in death by her twin brother Cornelius, sister-in-law Leola, her brother Ivan, and brother-in-law William Hamersma. She leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, deeply felt by those who survive her. Joanne is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Robert Yonker; her sister Henrietta Hamersma; her brother Nicholas and his wife Claire; her sister-in-law Patricia Wolterstorff; sister-in-law Ruth (Yonker) and brother-in-law Jack Smant. She is also survived by her sons and their families: Jeff (Julie), granddaughter Cassie (Ross) Wielard, great-granddaughters Madison and Brielle, granddaughter Callae (Derek) Elenbaas, great-granddaughter Lucia and great-grandson Julius; and son Stephen (Anne) and grandsons Jonathan, and Tyler (Jenna) and great-grandson Kade, who all brought much joy to her life.

Joanne was a proud and caring nurse for over 35 years, working in the emergency room and outpatient surgery. In her retirement, she and Bob enjoyed traveling around the world. Joanne was always a wonderful cook and baker, lovingly remembered by many for her gifts of banana and zucchini breads, Dutch apple pie, banket, and chocolate chip cookies. Her Christian faith was very important to her, and her life was marked by many activities in the church and Bible studies.

A remembrance to honor Joanne's life will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Calvin University in her memory.

Joanne's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and medical professionals who supported her throughout her illness. Their compassion and care made a blessed difference in Joanne's final years.