Joan Heitmeyer

Joan Wilma Heitmeyer, 83, went home to be with her Savior on September 27, 2025, while with her family, at home in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Joan was the youngest daughter of William and Minnie (Te Slaa) Kroese and was born on August 20, 1942, in their family farmhouse, located near Hull and Sioux Center, Iowa. After graduating from Western Christian High School in Hull, she married her high school sweetheart Junior Heitmeyer. They were married in the Hull Christian Reformed Church on July 25, 1961. Their first home was in Ritter, Iowa, which consisted of a Farmers Elevator and three small homes. Her husband Junior worked at the Ritter Farmers Elevator and assisted his father on their family farm. Leading up to this, Joan worked in Sheldon, Iowa, sewing zippers into blue jeans. Three of her greatest joys, were her three sons, Daniel (1962), Robert (1966), and James (1970), all born while they lived in their Ritter home.

After the birth of James, the family moved to Marble Rock, Iowa, where her husband became the manager of the Farmers Elevator there. Later, the family would move to Hollandale, Minnesota, after her husband became the manager of the Farmers Elevator in Oakland, Minnesota.

Joan thrived in Hollandale. She was graced with many friends and was very active in the Hollandale Christian Reformed Church and the Hollandale Christian School. In church, she actively assisted in Sunday school, Calvinettes, and numerous church functions and responsibilities. She was blessed with a gifted voice and often sang in her church, as well as other churches. Likewise, she poured her heart into the Hollandale Christian School, and its many functions. This included many years of playing significant roles with the school’s food booth, at the Freeborn County Fair.

Later in life, Junior and Joan moved to Albert Lea, where she was a charter member of Crossroads Church. She served in many capacities, including being a member of the church board for more than 10 years, as well as being

part of various committees and campaigns. She was very passionate about community outreach and enjoyed working tirelessly with others in the church, to advance God’s kingdom.

Joan will be remembered for always glorifying God in all she did. Mom never tired of trying her best to champion her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mom held herself to the highest of standards in all aspects of life. Mom used every moment, of everyday, to support her family, her friends, and her community. Mom came from humble beginnings and lived a humble life of service.

Joan is survived by her sister Hester; husband, Junior; three children, Daniel, Robert (Amy), and James; five grandchildren, David (Keila), Steven (Tristen), Kaylin (Mark), Brianna (Danny), and Alaina (Riley); as well as four great-grandchildren, Holland, Haxton, Kala, and Mia.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents (William & Minnie) brother (Charles), and sister (Verna).

A celebration of life will be held at Crossroads Church in Albert Lea at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 10, 2025; visitation will be held one hour prior.

Memorials may be directed to Crossroads Church, Youth for Christ, and/or the Hollandale Christian School.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service.
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