Joan (Ridder) Zeldenrust

Joan (Ridder) Zeldenrust, age 96, of Crown Point, IN passed away and went to meet her heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Joan was an inspiration to others, living out her faith in Christ on a daily basis. She was an encourager and prayer warrior for her family and friends. 

Joan was married to her beloved husband, Robert Zeldenrust, for 63 years before he passed away in 2016. She is survived by her children, Lauree (Wayne) Pondinas, and Mary (John) Rosenbaum; and daughter-in-law, Deb Zeldenrust. She was a loving Nana to Amanda (Dan) Groenewold,  Ryan (Kate) Pondinas, Brad Eaton, Emily (Dan) Bishop, Matt(Amanda) Rosenbaum, Jon (Megan) Zeldenrust and Eric (Abbey) Zeldenrust. Great Grandmother to 14 – Hope and Faith Groenewold, Emery and Madison Pondinas, Logan Rosenbaum, Noah, Emma and Charlotte Bishop, Teddy, Micah, Simon, Eli, Will Zeldenrust and  Noelle Zeldenrust. Preceded in death by brothers, Martin, Nick, John Henry, Henry (Hank), and Herman (Bud); and sisters, Jennie, Jeanette, Grace and Winnie; daughter, Pamela; son, Steve; and grandsons, Aaron and Andrew.

Joan was born in Chicago Heights, IL on January 13, 1930 to Herman and Jantina Ridder. She graduated from Chicago Christian High School. She continued her education at Hope College, receiving an Associate’s Degree in Education in 1949.She put this degree to good use, teaching at Lansing Christian School for 7 years and Peoria Christian School for 5 years. Being a life-long learner, Joan would return to school to receive her Bachelor’s Degree  in Education in 1985 at Trinity College. She became the Director of Christian Education for the Midwest Synod of the Reformed Church of America and served in this capacity for 8 years. She finished her career as the Christian Education Director for Ross Reformed Church in Gary IN, retiring after 15 years.

Joan loved spending time with her family first and foremost. Her interests included traveling, cooking and reading. She was an active member of Trinity Reformed Church in Munster, IN . She and her husband Bob founded and supported Living Faith Ministries in Ghana, Africa. 

In her final years, Joan resided at Bickford Senior Living in Crown Point, IN. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Bickford for creating a warm, safe, and loving community where she truly felt at home.

The family also gives special thanks to SouthernCare Hospice for their compassionate, dignified and tender care during this past year.  Their support and love provided immense comfort to Joan and her family when it was needed most.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026 from 9am – 11am, with a funeral service directly following at 11 am. Both events will take place at Hillside Funeral Home, 8941 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN 46322. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to SouthernCare Hospice. 

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