Joybelle K. Van Hoof (Cramer) "Joy"

VAN HOOF (CRAMER), JOYBELLE K. "JOY"

Age 88, of Horton, MI entered the Lord's Kingdom on December 18, 2019. She was born April 24, 1931 to William N. and Kathryn J. (Plant) Cramer.  Joy is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Eugene Robert Van Hoof, infant son Matthew Shaun, her parents and older brothers William Lee "Bud" and Richard Roy "Dick" Cramer. She is survived by daughter Patricia Van Hoof, her husband Vince Hackley and daughters, Elizabeth and Samantha; son James Van Hoof and his son Matthew; son Steven Van Hoof, his wife Janice (Siegfried) and daughters, Alison, Amelia and Phoebe; son David Van Hoof, his wife Alissa (Koberstein); and daughter Laura (Beck), her husband Michael Beck and children, Hannah, Carter and Jacob.

Growing up, Joy traveled the county with her mother supporting her father and brother serving in the Navy during WWII. After graduating from Hinsdale High School, she attended Grinnell College, majoring in elementary education. She spent two years teaching in California where she met Gene. Together they spent twenty challenging years as a Navy family relocating thirteen times. Joy was known as a gracious host of wardroom dinner parties in her home for Gene's fellow submarine officers. Joy served as captain's wife during Gene's pioneering submarine patrols in the Pacific commanding the USS Daniel Boone. After retiring from the Navy in 1973, Joy and Gene settled in Jackson, MI. Joy's passions included art, children's literature and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed volunteer work with schools, UNICEF and Common Cause.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Crosier Fathers and Brothers, Attn: Father Kermit, P.O. Box 500, Onamia, MN 56359-0500 or on-line at www.crosier.org or UNICEF at www.unicefusa.org.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church in Jackson with Father Tim MacDonald officiating. The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Friday, January 3, 2020 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM with a Scripture Service at 7:00 PM. To send condolences to the family go to www.desnoyerfuneralhome.com or www.mlive.com .

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 130 years