Joan L. (Van Valkenburg) Manker, age 87, of Thayer, Missouri departed this life on January 11, 2023, in Thayer, Missouri. Joan was born on September 24, 1935, to William Van Valkenburg and Leila (Hall) Van Valkenburg in Long Prairie, Minnesota.
Joan was a marvelous homemaker, avid gardener and community member. She was devoted to her family and her family always came first. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband by her husband William “Bud” Manker of Thayer, Missouri; one daughter Loraine of Pueblo West, Colorado; one son Steve and his wife of Maple Plain, Minnesota; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one son Russell.
Interment was private at Davis Cemetery, Thayer, Missouri.
June 19, 2023 @ 11:57 pm
I will miss my dear Aunt Joanie. She was so precious and caring. She exuded love for both people and animals. Aunt Joanie enjoyed watching birds eat the food she loyally put out for them. I think she fed just about every bird in Colorado, Arkansas and Missouri. She especially loved her cat Persiphone. They would curl up together in her recliner and watch old black & white Western movies. I know Uncle Bud will miss her sweet presence and love.