Joan Marie Desutter

Joan Marie DeSutter, 86, passed away at 1:30 pm Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Pekin Manor surrounded by her family. She was one of 7 daughters born to Henry & Karla (Ide) Groenhagen in Hinton, Iowa on September 27,1938. She married Raymond Eugene Kitchell on Oct. 16, 1955 in Pekin, Illinois and he preceded her in death in 1974. They had a daughter, Melva Lynne born Jan 20, 1957 and a son, Raymond Edward (Eddie) born on July 26,1959. She is survived by her daughter, Melva; sister Darlene Umholtz; sister in law, Bonnie Sherwood; and many nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Raymond and John, son, Raymond "Eddie", sisters, Caroline Irwin, Lilly Wiltman, Freida Groenhagen, Elaine Spracklen and Rose Marie Groenhagen. Joan and Raymond purchased a farm in Brown County, Illinois and moved there in 1958 where they raised cattle and hogs along with row crops. Joan worked at the Tastee Treet in Mt. Sterling from 1963-1968. They also built a wildlife refuge with whitetail deer, buffalo, turkeys, peacocks, pheasants, geese, and ducks. Joan and Raymond were trucking for Bemis Elevator in Mt. Sterling at the time of Raymonds death. Joan married John DeSutter of Manito on January 31, 1981 and he preceded her in death on July 19, 2016. They raised beefalo along with their cattle on their farm in Manito. They were both avid hunters of deer & turkeys and traveled to their Brown County farm often. Joan enjoyed taking pictures of birds, flowers and wildlife. She also liked to deer shed hunt. Joan and 3 of her sisters were members of the Miller Melodies in Pekin. Along with singing they also enjoyed playing accordions as the 4 Gs. Her funeral service will be Monday, October 7, 2024 at 10:00 am at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev Scott Sherwood officiating. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm also at the funeral home. Interment will be at 1:00 pm at Mount Sterling City Cemetery In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Brown County Animal Rescue or Taps in Pekin. Funeral Service Monday, October 7, 2024 10:00 AM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Sunday, October 6, 2024 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554