Joan M. (Hougentogler) Geesaman, 95, of Newark, DE, passed peacefully into Glory on October 19, 2026, and is now in the comforting arms of Jesus.
Joan grew up in Wilmington, DE with her five siblings and graduated from P.S DuPont High School class of 1948.
She retired from the University of Delaware Morris Library where she spent many happy years helping with acquisitions, making friends, and becoming a lifelong member of the Blue Hen flock. She then worked at the Salem United Methodist Church where she served as the church secretary.
Joan was the longest standing member of White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church with over 50 years of devotion. Joan loved her church family and the community it provided. She proudly served as a Deacon and Elder and could often be found in the kitchen during a potluck or luncheon with a few grandchildren in tow. Joan was also very active in the women’s groups, the little children’s ministry, and helped with fellowship.
She was an avid watcher of Turner Classic and Hallmark movies, loved reading books, and enjoyed trips to Victoria Nails with the girls for a manicure and pedicure. Joan spent weeks during the summer at Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island enjoying the sun, boardwalk bandstand, and her family. Alongside Ducky, she was a member of the Retreads Motorcycle club where they traveled the country and made many lasting memories.
In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney C. Hougentogler, Sr. (Ducky) of 51 years, and husband, Robert F. Geesaman of 16 years, grandson Ben McCrum; brothers John Hudson and Robert Hudson; sister Shirley Jester; and brother-in-law Harry Jester.
She is survived by her brothers Kenny Hudson (Pat), Richard Hudson (Pam) in addition to sisters-in-law Kathy Hudson (Robert) and Gernie Hudson (John) and her children Rodney C. Hougentogler, Jr. (Sandy), Beverly Hardy (Bob), Stephen Hougentogler (Sue Ann), and Scott Hougentogler. She was also survived by ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren (with one on the way), and three great-great-grandchildren.
A special thank you to her caretakers from Delaware Hospice and Palliative Care. Their care and support meant a lot to her and the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory can be made to Delaware Hospice, 630 Churchmans Road, Suite 200, Newark, DE 19702, or White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 15 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE 19711.
A viewing for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026,from 10AM-11AM at White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, 15 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark, DE 19711 followed by a service in celebration of Joan’s life at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park.
To send an online condolence please visit www.mccreryandharra.com
