Joanne Bernice Klaassen

Joanne Klaassen, age 73, of Sibley, Iowa, died Sunday, July 12, 2026, suddenly from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 19th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the First Reformed Church of Sibley.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, at the First Reformed Church in Sibley, with Reverend Brian Carpenter officiating.

Burial will be Private for the family at the Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley.

Arrangements are in the care of the Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, Iowa.

Joanne Bernice (Stoel) Klaassen was born on October 2, 1952, at Fort Eustis Army Base near Newport News, Virginia, the daughter of Jacob and Florence (Kooiman) Stoel. Shortly after that, her family moved to Chandler, where Joanne grew up and graduated from Chandler High School in 1970. After high school, Joanne went to the Professional Business Institute in The Twin Cities and obtained a Medical Assistance Receptionist Degree. She moved back to southwest Minnesota, where she worked as a medical assistant, then for a bank, and eventually spent 30+ years working at the Bigelow Elevator. However, the job she loved most was farming and running the trucking business alongside her husband, Travis. Travis and Joanne were united in marriage on November 29, 1991, in Worthington, Minnesota. They could always be seen together, whether that be riding in the truck, taking care of the livestock, or out on a motorcycle ride. Joanne supported and stood by Travis’ side through thick and thin and even through his battle with cancer. The two of them loved time with family, especially their many grandchildren, and spending time with friends. Joanne’s children and grandchildren brought her so much joy, and she was very proud and loved them all so very much.

Joanne also had a strong faith and, through the ups and downs of life, knew that her Savior had a plan for her and her family. Many prayer journals could be found in her home. All thanking God for the many blessings in her life, even though there were challenging times. She kept a positive attitude, had a smile to share, and was often seen walking in all types of weather.

Joanne was taken unexpectedly on July 12, 2026, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Joanne is survived by her children, Heidi (Brad) Garms of Rosemount, Minnesota, Crystal (Kenny) Daniels of George, Iowa, Tracy (Dan) Henning of Fairmont, Minnesota, Terri (Brad) Sneller of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Jason (Maria) Klaassen of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Teresa (Adam) Bullerman of Pipestone, Minnesota, and Clint Klaassen (Special friend, Amber Peterson) of Sibley, Iowa; nineteen grandchildren; five siblings, Bert (Audrey) Stoel of Edgerton, Minnesota, Gene (Kathy) Stoel of Chandler, Minnesota, Judy (Mark) Bartosh of Fulda, Minnesota, Ed (Joyce) Stoel of Edgerton, Minnesota, and Diane (Dan) Hamersma of Pipestone, Minnesota; nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Travis Klaassen; parents, Jacob and Florence Stoel; mother-in-law, Melvina Klaassen; granddaughter, Sophia Klaassen-Fastert; brother, Jacob A. Stoel; and brother-in-law, John Kellen.