Joan Sheel ’49 Dekker
Joan Allene Dekker, age 93, of Worthington, passed away on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Fulda, MN. She was born on September 18, 1928, the only child of Charles F. and Clara S. Sheel. Joan attended the Hospers, Iowa public schools, graduating as valedictorian. She then graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan with a teaching degree. After marrying Len Dekker in 1950, they farmed near Reading for 35 years before moving into Worthington in 1985. She was a member of the American Reformed Church where she was an organist for 50 years, involved in the RCW and taught Sunday school. Joan also served with the Bible League Auxiliary, with the Farm Bureau Auxiliary, on the Board of Directors of the Hospers Savings Bank and as a 4-H Leader. Joan is survived by three children, Peggy (Gary) Dekker of Pfafftown, NC, Karl (Cindy) Dekker of Worthington, MN, and Martha (Randy) Lubben of Reading, MN; brother-in-law, Jake Dekker of Fulda, MN; eleven grandchildren, and twenty-two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Len, and her daughter, Janine. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Benson Funeral Home in Worthington, MN. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., at the American Reformed Church in Worthington, MN, with Pastor Alan Salwei officiating. Burial will be held in the Worthington Cemetery. Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.