Joan Van Laere

Joan Carolyn (Kapaun) Van Laere went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Joan was born on April 30th, 1943, to Robert “Nooks” and Lorraine Kapaun in Fargo, ND. Joan grew up in Casselton and spent her youth around Casselton and down at Lake Melissa with family and friends.

Joan met the love of her life in Joseph Van Laere while working as a key punch operator with the civil service at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Joe and Joan were united in marriage on November 9th, 1963, and would have celebrated 60 years this coming November. Joan and Joe spent two years in Milwaukee, WI before Joan talked Joe into returning to Casselton. To this union Joan and Joe were blessed with three children Loree, David, and Todd. Joan was her kid’s biggest cheerleader, and she cherished her grandchildren and all her grand dogs.

Joan spent lots of time at Meadow Lake where she enjoyed sitting by the fire, playing games, and visiting with family and friends. She loved music, especially Elvis Presley, she was his biggest fan! Joan enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and Las Vegas where she attended numerous concerts and shows and met countless famous people. Her biggest love was traveling with Joe and the kids on their endless Griswold adventures to many locations, especially to see family in South Bend, IN and Elizabethtown, KY. Joan always bet on the grey horse, enjoyed a good game of bingo, and tried her luck at slots and keno.

Joan loved baking sweets for her family, making crafts and going to craft shows around the region. There was always something for her to find and try her hand at. Joan was a great seamstress and enjoyed knitting and crocheting blankets for her family. Joan enjoyed spending time outdoors in her vegetable and flower gardens. She enjoyed decorating her yard for all the seasons with various ornaments. Joan was always excited at Halloween for her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren to show off their costumes.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband Joseph, daughter Loree (Robert) Leitheiser Scott and Karina (Wayne LeBlanc), son David (Sharon) Van Laere Robert and Jordan, and son Todd (Marsha) Van Laere. She also leaves behind her sister Renee Kapaun, Brother Bob (Martha) Kapaun, Brother Bill (Robyn) Kapaun, and Sister Jayne (Jim) Meyer. Her Sister-in-Law Dolores Harmacinski and brother-in-law Tom (Ann) Van Laere. She will also be remembered by various nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Lorraine Kapaun, her younger sister Jean, granddaughter Andrea Leitheiser, and brother-in-law Jerry Harmacinski.

Visitation:  Sunday, August 27, 2023, from 5 – 7 pm, with a Prayer Service held at 7 pm, all in West Funeral Home, Casselton, ND

Funeral:  Monday, August 28, 2023, at 11 am in Westminster Presbyterian Church, Casselton.

Burial: Casselton Cemetery

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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