Joan Feenstra

Joan's story began in 1945. WWII was nearing its final months, the UN was formed, and Harry S. Truman was appointed the presidency. Andrew and Rose (Chmielienski) Feenstra welcomed their newborn daughter, Josephine, into their home on March 12th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born the youngest daughter of two girls, her birth was a sign of hope and promise to the Feenstra family.

Growing up near Alpine and Leonard NW, Joan lived a typical childhood of the times. She attended local schools including Harrison Park and then went on to study at Union High School. Joan's dad owned two houses next to one another, and she would live right there throughout her entire life. After graduating, she found work at Widdicomb Furniture. She started on the factory floor before working her way into an office position. After her mother passed away in 1967, Joan lived with her father until he passed in 1988. Joan was dedicated to her work and remained with the furniture company until it closed in 2002. For several years after, she worked for Staffing Incorporated until she later retired.

In addition to her hard work during her working years, she held many special pastimes. When it came time for her own relaxation and enjoyment, she enjoyed crocheting. Over the years Joan made several blankets that she donated to the Ronald McDonald House for patients and their families to use during their stay. Joan was a woman with strong convictions. When it came to local politics, she was actively engaged at government meetings where she expressed her opinions on a wide variety of topics. Concerned for her safety and the safety of others, she kept a watchful eye on potholes that would report them to authorities. Her favorite hobby however was going shopping. Joan loved hunting for bargains and deals and also checked for expiration dates of products. Helpful as well as meticulous about due dates, whenever she spotted something expired she would alert the manager. Joan was blessed with living a life of simple pleasures.

Josephine “Joan” Feenstra, age 76 of Grand Rapids, passed away on February 12, 2022. She is survived by her sister, Mary Nyssen; nieces Barbara (Michael) Martin, Brooke (Jay) Wayman, and Wendy (Donald) Sutherland. She was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Robert Nyssen, and niece, Betsy Nyssen. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with her family beginning at 10 AM. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice are appreciated. To share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com