Joanne Caroline (nee: Neubauer) Hoornstra, age 85, passed away peacefully at Pleasant Point Senior Living on Tuesday evening, July 28, 2026.

Joanne was born in Racine on November 16, 1940 to the late Walter Neubauer and Margaret Burkhardt. She was lovingly raised by Walter and Exie (nee: Dewar) Neubauer. She was a 1958 graduate of Washington Park High School. Joanne began her working years as a waitress for the White Diner and Toddle Inn. Next, she became a parking meter attendant for the City of Racine before taking a civilian position with the Racine Police Department, from where she retired.

On October 22, 1971, Joanne was united in marriage with Gerald A. Hoornstra, who also worked at Racine Police Department as an officer for 30 years. Gerry passed away last year, June 26, 2025.

With profound faith, Joanne was a longtime member of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church before joining Faithbridge Church in Franksville. She loved the Lord and singing in the choir. Affectionately known as "Mema", she loved her children and adored her grand & great-grandchildren beyond measure. She had the amazing ability to hug & rock each and every one of them to sleep with some wonderful little tune, even on her worst days. Mema always had a song on her mind that she would hum. Different all the time, but always a song.

Joanne found joy in so many things. She spent endless hours sewing with her best friend in life, Chihaya, a friend for over 50 years. Mema enjoyed knitting & crocheting….everything from dish cloths to beautiful blankets. She also made porcelain dolls, often designating who they were for…so that they were sure to get them later in life.

Mema loved to bake. Always enough Christmas cookies for everyone! Her fudge…..she must have left an important ingredient off her recipe intentionally as nobody in the family has ever been able to make theirs as good as Mema's. However, she would kindly reply with a smile "Just follow the recipe honey". Occasionally, she would make full-on prime rib dinners for the team at Mount Pleasant Police Department on holidays, which always brought her so much joy. Mema could make delicious prime rib, roast a fantastic turkey, mass produce pastries for everyone…yet still burn the buns! Which, quite honestly, became another reason we loved her so much. Mema never ended a conversation without saying "I love you". So, for all of these reasons and for so many more…..We love you Mema!

Surviving are her children, Scott (Norine Young) Geyer, Michelle Houdek and Gerry Hoornstra, Jr.; grandchildren, Taylor (Jared Lopez) Geyer, Jason (Amanda) Houdek, Caleb Joyce, Amanda (Michael) Adcock, Skylar Hoornstra, Avery Hoornstra, Corbyn Hoornstra and Brody (Stephanie) Lawler; great-grandchildren, Gigi Lopez, Christian Reisenauer, Carter Houdek, Casen Adcock and Damian Lawler; sisters, Karen (Lance) Nissen and Brenda (Al) Nygro; sisters-in-law, Nancy Larke and Marlene Hoornstra; nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joanne was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Lucas Houdek; brother, Tom (Janet) Neubauer; sisters, Pat (Ralph) Tuinstra, Dinah DaQuisto and Terri Plush; by Gerry's parents, Floyd and Mildred (nee: Baker) Hoornstra; and brother-in-law, Dean Hoornstra.

Services celebrating Joanne's life will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 12:00 noon in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Rev. Leah Callen officiating. Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday, August 14 ^th , from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon.  In memory of Joanne, memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to an animal shelter of your choice have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Bogdan Pudzisz & team, the specialties teams at Aurora Medical Center and Aurora Hospice; Joanne's sister, caregiver & lunch partner – Karen Nissen; the Pleasant Point team and all of our friends & family that supported Mema in her time of need. May God continue to bless all of you!