Johanna "Joki" van Gerve's Obituary
Johanna “Joki” Carolina (Ravenshorst) van Gerve, 88, passed away on May 4, 2025, in
Palm Coast, Florida, after a battle with Alzheimer. She was born February 26 th , 1937, in
Almelo, the Netherlands, the daughter of Aaltje and Henk Ravenshorst.
In her youth, she enjoyed playing both the violin and the piano as well as playing tennis.
Her father and younger brother shared her love for music.
She met her husband, Dick during his studies in Enschede, the Netherlands. They were
married for over 63 years and had two daughters, Colette and Jacqueline.
While Dick traveled the world for work, Joki served as the CEO of Household Affairs for
her immediate family. In 1975, they relocated to the United States when Dick became
the CEO of Stork Screens and Stork United in Charlotte, NC. After Colette and
Jacqueline took off for College, Joki started working at fashion boutiques, which she
absolutely loved. Also, it was quite handy for her own appetite in beautiful clothes.
Joki, together with her husband, loved traveling, attending live music events, visiting
jazz clubs, attending live sporting events (Tennis, Golf and the Charlotte Checkers Ice
Hockey games), dining out, and hosting BBQs at their home, first in Charlotte NC, next
at Lake Norman and finally in Palm Coast, Florida as of 2005.
Joki’s love for clothes shopping also benefited her two grandsons when they were
young. She could never bypass a children’s store without buying several new outfits.
Joki herself dressed like she was always going out somewhere, even while working in
the yard. Even though cooking was not her favorite thing to do, she did enjoy preparing
Indonesian food, and she loved eating her smoked salmon! She loved sharing her
favorite American Chardonnay or French Sancerre with her two daughters!
Finally, Joki made sure she kept up with the Dutch news and subscribed herself to a bi-
weekly Dutch newspaper, this way there were no surprises when she came back for
visits to the Netherlands.
Joki was preceded in death by her parents, and younger brother, Getty. She is survived
by her daughters, Colette van Gerve, Cuijk, the Netherlands, Jacqueline Umana,
Maumelle, Arkansas, and Grandsons Cody Asbroek and Calvin Asbroek, Cuijk, the
Netherlands.
The family wants to thank all Joki’s caregivers at Market Street (a Memory Care
Residence) and Palm Aging Life Management, Palm Coast, as well as VITAS
Healthcare for their relentless love, care, and patience, they surrounded her with.
Joki was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and colleague. She will be
sorely missed, especially by her immediate family. Her laugh as well as her sassiness
will linger on in our minds and we will not ever forget her favorite number, 36!
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to your local Alzheimer
Association in Joki’s memory.
A private Celebration of Joki’s life will be held on June 11 th .
What’s your fondest memory of Johanna "Joki"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Johanna "Joki"?
Share a story where Johanna "Joki"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Johanna "Joki" you’ll never forget.
How did Johanna "Joki" make you smile?