Joann Poort

Joann Poort, 86 of Malvern, IA, passed away June 8, 2019 at the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood, IA. Per her wishes, cremation will take place. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2019 in the Malvern Cemetery. Celebration of Life Gathering for family and friends will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2019 at the Liberty Memorial Building (community building basement) in Malvern. Loess Hills Funeral Home of Malvern in charge of arrangements.

Memorials: Per the family's request, in lieu of flowers, memorials are directed to the family.

Joann Poort, 86 of Malvern, Iowa, passed away June 8, 2019 at the Glen Haven Home in Glenwood, Iowa.

Joann Jeanette (VanRenan) Poort was born on February 14, 1933 in Bartlett, Iowa, the daughter of Eldon Leland and Ruth Rose (Hill) VanRenan. She received her education in Bartlett.

Joann and Robert Howard Poort were united in marriage on July 17, 1948 in Rock Port, Missouri. They made their first home in Imogene, Iowa, later moving to Glenwood, and then to Malvern, Iowa in 1954. The couple was blessed with three children, Kathy Elaine, Roger Howard, and Lisa Ann.

Joann worked as a waitress at Jennie & Butch Payne's restaurant in Malvern and cleaned houses. In 1964, she and Bob established Poort's Garage in Malvern, where Joann kept the books and ran for parts, until the business closed in 2015. Through the years, Joann drove a SWITA bus; receiving "Driver of the Year" award in 2000 and in 2018 was recognized for her 20 years of outstanding and dedicated service with the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency.

Joann was a member of the Pilot Lights (wives of the firemen) of the Malvern Volunteer Fire Department and the BPW (Business Professional Women's Club). She helped prepare and service funeral lunches at the Malvern United Methodist Church. Among her many enjoyments were sewing, crocheting, knitting, and embroidering, tending to her flowers and large vegetable garden. She loved camping and boating, traveling in their RV, cooking for her family, and spending time with friends and family. Joann was a loving, wife, mother, and grandmother who was greatly loved and will be truly missed.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband Bob in 2010; daughter Kathy Crisler Clausen in 2013; sister Carolyn Givens; and brother-in-law Lawrence Brittain.
Joann is survived by her son Roger Poort and wife Mary of Malvern; daughter, Lisa Dolezal and husband Steve of Franklin, TN; son-in-law Merle Clausen of Silver City, IA; grandchildren, Mark Crisler, Daniel Crisler, Kimberly Crisler, Dustin Crisler, Shawn Clausen, Jeffery (Nicki) Poort, Kevin (Susan) Poort, Melissa (Andy) Irwin, Holly Poort, Abbie (Mitchel) Edic, Kristen Poort, and Courtney (Alexander) Kessler; 12 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; brother Jim VanRenan and wife Helen of Nebraska City, NE; sister Ruth Brittain of Plattsmouth, NE; brother-in-law Wayne Givens of Blanchard, IA; extended relatives; and many friends.