The chair emerita of Pella Corporation has passed away.

Joan Kuyper Farver, 97, died today at her residence in Pella. Joan served as Chair of the Board of Pella Corporation from 1981 to 1995. Descendants of the Kuyper and Farver families maintain complete ownership of the privately-held company today.

Joan is also well known for her philanthropy work in the community, including the Pella Community Center auditorium that bears her name and her numerous contributions to Central College and other organizations throughout the community.

“Joan was an inspiration to all who knew her and she was well-known as Pella Corporation’s ‘First Lady.’ She cared deeply about her family, this company, and the communities in which we employ people,” said Tim Yaggi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pella Corp. “Joan sincerely cared about people and often took the time to write personal notes or to visit with team members because she took an active interest in others. She was a quiet leader whose philanthropic contributions have made a lasting impact on the community of Pella, Iowa, and many other communities and causes that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

A website honoring her memory can be found at www.joankuyperfarver.com. The more than 7,000 employees of Pella Corporation are honoring Joan with moments of silence, prayers and memorial lapel pins festooned with her favorite flower, a yellow rose.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22 at 1:00 pm at Second Reformed Church, Pella. A Memorial Room to honor Joan will also be open beginning Wednesday at the Kuyper Institute at Pella Corporation.

Memorial Room to honor Joan – Pella Corporation – Kuyper Institute on 102 Main Street, Pella, Iowa:
Wednesday, March 1: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Thursday, March 2: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm
Friday, March 3: 6:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, March 4: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Memorial contributions are suggested for Central College, Pella Community Foundation, or PEO Foundation, and can be left at the Memorial Room or mailed to Mary Joan Kuyper Farver Memorials, P.O. Box 66, Pella, Iowa 50219. Van Dyk Duven Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.