Joseph Lee Vroman

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, February 16, 1943
Date of Death:
Monday, June 8, 2020
Age:
77 years old

Visitation

Date: Friday June 12, 2020
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Saturday June 13, 2020
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Pleasant Prairie Cemetery [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, February 16, 1943
Date of Death:
Monday, June 8, 2020
Age:
77 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, February 16, 1943
Date of Death:
Monday, June 8, 2020
Age:
77 years old

Joseph Lee Vroman

Joseph Lee Vroman, 77, died peacefully at home on Monday, June 8, 2020, from complications of prostate cancer. He was born on February 16, 1943 at St. Mary’s hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, to Hubert (Ole) and Helen (Reinartz) Vroman.

Joe’s dad, Hubert worked for the Rochester Fire Department and often worked on his days off for a local funeral home. That is how Joe got his start in the funeral industry.

As a youngster, he started mowing lawns, shoveling sidewalks, and painting pine caskets. Eventually, when he got his driver’s license, he started to transport the deceased to their hometown for burial. He continued to do this as a part time job until he retired in 2018. Joe loved to drive and felt a compassion for the deceased and their survivors, ensuring this task was done with dignity.

Joe graduated from Lourdes High School in 1961, entered Rochester Junior College, and graduated in 1963 with an AA in business. In September 1963, he was hired by IBM and began a 30-year career, retiring in September 1993.

In September 1964, Joseph signed up with the U.S Army Reserves. He served his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and completed advanced training at Fort Sam Houston, TX as an Army Medic in 1965. He left Army duties in 1970.

In August 1965, he married Geraldine Lorsung. They had three children, Susan, Richard, and Daniel. They were later divorced.

He married Barbara Hovland Besonen on June 28, 1998 in Rochester.

Joe volunteered with many different groups and organizations. They include: Christmas Anonymous, Community Food Response driver for 20 plus years, serving in the church as a Eucharistic Minister, and Knights of Columbus.  He also served as Cascade Township clerk and later added treasurer duties for a total of 28 years with the Township.

Joe was always willing to lend a hand to others.  He enjoyed spending time with Barb and family, watching the MN Twins, and spending time outside maintaining his yard and trees.  Joe and Barb also enjoyed wintering in AZ, spending time there every March with friends.

Survivors include his wife Barbara; sons Richard (Jennifer) and Daniel (Cherie); stepsons Scott Hovland (Holly Anderson), James Hovland (Nicolle) Jonathan Hovland (Molly), Cory Hovland (Micah); stepdaughter Kristiann Schultz (Gary Schneider); 20 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Susan Bernard.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Seasons Hospice or Community Food Response.

The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Masks are recommended. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Funeral Mass will be limited to family only and masks are required.

Condolences

The family of Joseph Lee Vroman has received the following condolences.

Sorry to see you've left us. A god guy to work with.

My condolences, sounds like a great man.  I am sorry for your loss.

I got to know Joe when I was Pastor at Holy Spirit. He and Barb were gaithful and active parishioners. But I mostly worked with Joe as Sexton at Calvary Cemetery and parish representative on the cemetery Board. 


He was always respectful of the holy ground of the cemetery and of the folks who came to make arrangements for their loved one's internment. He kept meticulous records as well. It was his ministry.


May he rest in peace.


Fr. Don

Dear Barb,


i am so very sorry to hear about Joe's passing.  I know this last year was a tough one for him, and of course, for you too.  I'm so grateful I had the privilege of getting to know him a little while sharing nearby pews with both of you at Holy Spirit.  Know that you and your family are in my heart and prayers.  I look forward to seeing you again when things get better.


God's blessings be with you!


Mary Peterson

Such a sad loss for all who knew him especially his family as a classmate I will miss his smile and the warmth he shared he was always willing to help anyone who asked   Prayers to Barb and his entire family  


class of 61 Terry and Sue Clark

Joe was my neighbor growing up, so many fun memories of games, cards, rides in his old car, great friends of my brothers, he will be missed and remembered fondly.

I remember the first time I met Joe.  I felt like he immediately adopted me as one of his own.  I loved his warm, friendliness and know he will be greatly missed. 


 


I pray for your comfort in this sad time and encourage you to share the many memories and stories each of you has.


 

Oh Barbara, I was so incredibly sorry to read of Joe’s passing. I’ll be forever grateful for our time together on Lake Cowdry. You are such a survivor, so I’ll trust God’s plan for you will give you strength. All my love