Cover photo for Joanne Mae Toornman's Obituary
Joanne Mae Toornman Profile Photo
1930 Joanne 2022

Joanne Mae Toornman

April 28, 1930 — May 24, 2022

Kalamazoo

Joanne Mae Toornman, age 92, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2022, at Memory Care at The Gardens in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Joanne was born on April 28, 1930, in Plainwell, Michigan to Clio and Ruth (White) Simonton.

Joanne grew up on the east side of Kalamazoo during The Great Depression in a very close-knit extended family. Her younger brothers, Dick and Paul, played a meaningful role throughout her life.

She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1948 and worked at an insurance agency before marrying Bud on October 18, 1952. They then lived in Maryland, Alabama, and Florida while Bud was in the Army, before returning to Michigan to start their family.

Bud and Joanne settled in and built the house they lived in for 50 years in Portage, Michigan where they raised their 3 children: Steve, Bill and Carol.

Joanne was an outstanding cook, a grand gardener, avid reader and active member of her church family. Joanne had a deep, lifelong love of her church and a strong moral compass. She volunteered in many local organizations including Next Door and Meals on Wheels. And was very active at Eastwood Church of God, as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Leader and choir member. Later in life she and Bud became members of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She also participated in bowling and golf leagues for many years and enjoyed her garden club.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Joanne. Her family was her number one priority and love throughout her life. Time spent with her grandchildren was always the best part of her later life, and they could do no wrong! Joanne and Bud attended all of their grandchildren's sporting events, concerts and school functions. Joanne was a caring daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her kind smile, gentle laugh and positive attitude will be
missed by all who knew her.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 69 years, Bud; children, Steve Toornman, Bill (Ruth) Toornman, and Carol (Steve) Keto; grandchildren, Andrea, Graham, Keith, Doug; six great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Clio and Ruth Simonton; brothers, Richard "Dick" Simonton and Paul Simonton; and granddaughter, Elizabeth.

Joanne's family will receive guests beginning at 10am Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1515 Helen Ave, Portage MI 49002, where a memorial service will begin at 11am. Private committal services will be held in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo MI 49009. To view Joanne's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com

To order memorial trees in memory of Joanne Mae Toornman, please visit our tree store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Gathering

Saturday, June 4, 2022

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Westminster Presbyterian Church

1515 Helen Avenue, Portage, MI 49002

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Westminster Presbyterian Church

1515 Helen Avenue, Portage, MI 49002

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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