Joni Huntoon

Joni Huntoon was a woman who loved her family deeply and made sure they knew it. As a person who lived through the Great Depression, a World War, and a cultural revolution, Joni understood the concept of service and sacrifice, willingly giving up her own time and talents for the sake of others. She enjoyed being around people and made time with her friends and family a priority.

Joni was born in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, on October 13, 1928. The United States had spent the last decade pursuing economic prosperity, but just over a year after Joni's birth the nation would plunge into the Great Depression. She was raised in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, the third and last child of Samuel and Lottie Letcher. Samuel worked hard as a coal miner to provide for his family and Lottie managed the home. By the end of the decade, about 17% of the country was unemployed and Samuel joined their ranks when the mine he worked in closed. Joni and her family moved to Muskegon when she was twelve to look for employment. Her father found a job as a millwright. Joni's father had another job delivering ice. On Fridays he would bring home popsicles for the children in the neighborhood. The family lived in the Ruddaman Terrace housing project.

Joni's first job was working at a dime store. When she was seventeen she was encouraged to go on a blind date with a young man named Mike Huntoon. The date went well as did subsequent ones and eventually the two were married. The wedding took place in her parents' home. At the time Mike was serving in the Navy and was called to return to duty. The next six years would find Joni living in many locations as Mike was transferred from one station to another. They lived in Rhode Island, Hawaii, Guam, and the Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago. Joni was particularly fond of Rhode Island.

In 1949 she and her husband welcomed their first child, their son Michael. The next several years would see four more additions to their family, all daughters. Kate, Bonnie, Joni, and Jodi kept their big brother busy and brought much laughter and joy to the household. After Mike was discharged from the Navy, the family lived in Muskegon. In 1956 they moved to Holland Heights, later moving downtown to Maple and 15th Street. Mike worked for and later retired from Hart and Cooley. Joni worked as a waitress for several different Holland restaurants, eventually waitressing and later managing at the Wooden Shoe Restaurant.

Joni and Mike were both active contributors to their community. She helped in Girl Scouts for several years and Mike worked as a leader in the Boy Scouts. For several years they were very active in the Henry Wolters VFW Post 2144, and Joni was a former president of the Women's Auxiliary. She and Mike were longtime members of Zion Lutheran Church in Holland. They also served with the Civil Defense, working as storm watchers when severe weather was forecasted.

Joni and Mike shared many hobbies and activities together. For over fifty years they spent Labor Day weekends at reunions with fellow servicemen who had served in Guam. During the 1970s and 1980s, they were members of the Tulip City CB'S, a local CB club. Joni's handle was "40 Watt" and Mike's was "Honest Abe." After Mike retired, the couple spent their winters in south Texas. Joni enjoyed bargain hunting in Mexico. They also loved camping with their children and grandchildren.

Wednesdays were special to Joni. Every week she and her friends would have lunch together and then play cards for the rest of the day. She enjoyed going to the club and playing bingo as well as taking jaunts to the casino. But Tuesdays were even better. Tuesday was Nana Night, spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Christmas was her favorite day of the year, gathering with her entire family and cherishing each moment with her dear ones.

Joni is survived by her children, Michael and Rose Huntoon of Grand Haven, Kate and Scott Oonk of West Olive, Bonnie and Richard Houting of Zeeland, Joni and Paul Ortman of West Olive, and Jodi and Ivan Uren of Holland; a sister, Ruth Streit of Muskegon; sisters-in-law Bonnie (William) Sleaford of Hesperia, Michigan, Delores (Al) Meerzo of Warsaw, Indiana, and Barbara and George Rocha of Muskegon; fourteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joni passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2004, at Holland Community Hospital. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, William Rietveld, and her husband, Mike Huntoon, in 2000.

Friends will be received on Monday, January 5, from 6-9 PM at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, Inc., 295 Douglas Avenue. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 6, at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, the Rev. John Westra officiating. Burial will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. To read Joni's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Joni leaves her family and friends with sweet memories of her love and commitment. She will be deeply missed.