Joe Van Hoecke

Joe Van Hoecke

Joe Van Hoecke was peacefully released into the arms of our Savior on Wednesday, Sept 16. Joe was born June 8, 1932 in Kansas City, Mo. Joe’s parents, Jean-Baptiste and Augusta Landuyt Van Hoecke, were Belgian immigrants and raised their family on a small farm in the East Bottoms of Kansas City. After Joe’s service in the United States Army, he married Bette Jean McPheeters of Fort Scott, Kan., and they had six boys: Mike, Tom, Chris, Tim, Patrick and Phil. Joe was a retired member of Sheet Metal Local No. 2 and the Knights of Columbus. Joe loved the outdoors and time spent hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He really enjoyed spending time with his 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many pets. Having raised six boys, Joe loved all of his daughters-in-law: Kumiko, Linda, Theresa, Cheryl, Valerie, and Diane. He was always ready with a quick joke, prank, or sarcastic comment to brighten their day. Following the passing of his wife Bette, Joe married Linda Stevenin Weisner and our family became even larger with Linda’s five children and grandchildren. Joe is survived by his loving wife Linda, his brother Albert, and lots of loving family and friends. The visitation and Rosary for Joe is Sunday, Sept. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Overland Park Funeral Chapel, 8201 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Kan. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, at Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7023 West 71st St, Overland Park, Kan. Burial with Honor Guard to follow at 1:30 p.m. in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kan. Following the graveside ceremony, there will be a gathering and refreshments in Joe’s memory at the Boiler Room, 10 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, Kan. For a full obituary, please check www.overlandparkchapel.com