Josephine "JoAnn" Van Dyke

Josephine Van Dyke, 90, of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

Josephine Ann Heinen was born June 11, 1927 in Humphrey, NE, the daughter of Anton Francis and Josephine (Wemhoff) Heinen.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey, NE.  JoAnn graduated from St. Francis High School in 1945.

On January 20, 1948, she married Alvin Thomas Van Dyke at St. Francis Catholic Church. The couple resided in Humphrey and Cornlea NE, before moving to a wonderful small farm along Long Lake south of Underwood, MN in 1960.  The farm came with fun loving neighbors and was ideal for a growing family, primarily of boys at that time.  The couple also resided in Dalton and Battle Lake, MN.

JoAnn was the world’s best homemaker for her large family, which included homemade meals, with always a dessert. Her apple crisp was the best and unmatched to this day. Church on Sunday, laundry on Monday, kids events and activities all week and baking on Saturday mornings.  JoAnn was a loving mother and wife.  Dedicated to her family and who loved God.  She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church of Fergus Falls and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church of Battle Lake.

JoAnn enjoyed sewing, quilting blankets that her children still used to this day, tending to large gardens with a memorable strawberry patch, and playing cards, mostly pinochle, which Alvin always seemed to owe her money. She enjoyed games as well as entertaining family and friends.  She was not much of a drinker, root beer was her favorite.  She did not enjoy milking cows, plucking chickens and canning beets.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Alvin; her parents; a son in infancy; 3 sisters, Beata, Clara and Rita, and an infant sister; 5 brothers, Norbert, Arthur, Edgar, Aldred and Theodore.

She is survived by eight children, Terrence (Gwen) of Frazee, Bonnie (Brad) of Rochester, Patricia of Sutherland, NE, Mary Beth of Fergus Falls, David (Jean) of Minneapolis, Kevin (Sandy) of Moorhead, Keith (Heidi) of New York Mills and Paul of Chaska; 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Bernadette (Art) of Lincoln, NE; a brother, John (Marlene), of Aurora, IL, as well as a numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Memorial Service:  1:00 PM Monday, April 30, 2018, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fergus Falls, with visitation one hour prior to services at the church

Clergy:  Father Alan Wielinski, Father Bill Gamber, and Deacon Chuck Kampa

Interment:  Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Cemetery, Battle Lake, MN

Online Guestbook: GlendeNilson.com

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