Joette M. Koene

Joette M. Koene, 73, of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at home on February 23, 2024, after a long struggle with dementia. Joette was born on November 29, 1950 in Sheboygan to Wesley and Mae (Huele) Vande Vrede. Joette graduated from North High School with the Class of 1968.  

On October 17, 1972 she was united in marriage to Herbert Koene. Together they celebrated 51 years of marriage. Joette worked over 30 years in banking before retirement. She began working at Southwest State Bank as a teller. Later she worked as a broker’s assistant at Wells Fargo. Joette loved to stay busy and came out of retirement and worked as a manager at Subway.  

Joette loved music. She played piano and organ in various churches and taught piano lessons. Her music career ended at St. John’s UCC as an organist, pianist, accompanist and music director. 

Joette is survived by her loving husband Herbert Koene; daughter Jamie (Raymond) Brock; son Ryan (Jackie) Koene; four grandchildren, John, Kenny, Daniel Koene and Adalyn Brock; in-laws Bob (Sue) Schmahl, Sharon (Michael) Bowen, Brad Koene, Deb (Denny Huber) Higgins and Cindy (John) Payne. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Wesley and Mae Vande Vrede and one brother Larry Vande Vrede. 

A memorial service will take place on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center, 1201 N. 8th St., Sheboygan, with Pastor Joshua Van Engen officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the FUNERAL HOME.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joette’s memory can be made to Sheboygan Christian School.  

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness.