Joan Thurtell

May 18, 2021

Joan Thurtell

Service Details

Joan Vantrees Thurtell, age 87, longtime Altoona, IA resident passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2021 due to heart failure. She was born March 29, 1934 in Des Moines, Iowa to Ernest and Merle Vantrees. She married the man of her dreams, Bert Thurtell, Nov 20, 1955. Together they started a family that she loved and was devoted to.

Joan loved to travel, even in the early years there was always a family vacation. Camping trips, Disney World, Mt. Rushmore, family reunion trips and more. After retirement from Altoona State Bank, she and Bert would head south for a few weeks in the winter always trying some place new. She also took the trip of her lifetime with Nancy and dear friends (Carol and Bill Skoog) to Alaska.

She always returned home to be our “rock”. She listened, gave advice or forgiveness. She instilled strong values and life lessons that have served us well. She served as a PTA president, was a member of the Altoona United Methodist Church, Altoona Lions Club, and helped with the local food pantry. She was always willing to help those in need. She will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.

Joan is survived by her sister, Carol (Bob) Morrow; children, Deb (John) Scarpino, Tom (Janet) Thurtell, Nancy Thurtell and Dan (Penney) Thurtell; 6 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, plus many caring and devoted nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Merle Vantrees; her loving husband, Bert Thurtell; and brother, David Vantrees.

A visitation will be held from 3 – 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2021 to greet family and friends at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, Altoona, Iowa. A family graveside service will be Sunday, May 23, 2021 at the Altoona Cemetery where she will be laid beside her loving husband.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Caring Hands Outreach Center, in loving memory of Joan.

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