Joseph Church

Also known as "Joe"

1 January 20035 July 2026

Church, Joseph ‘Joe’ - On 5th July 2026

A service to remember and celebrate Joe’s life will be held at Harbour City Funeral Home, 300 Kāpiti Rd, Paraparaumu, on Tuesday 14 July 2026 at 11am, thereafter private cremation.

Please feel free to leave a tribute here in Joe’s tribute page via Harbourcityfunerals.co.nz

Cards can be posted c/- PO Box 723, Paraparaumu, 5254.

Funeral service held at Harbour City Funeral Home, Kapiti

Tributes

Truly devastating. We cannot believe that you are gone Joe. We might not have seen you for some time but that didn’t mean we didn’t still think of you, and hope that life was going well , that you had found happiness again. You were such a kind, gentle man Joe, you showed great loyalty to those you loved and cared for. The outpouring of love on Tuesday was heartbreaking Joe but also beautiful, because it showed just how much you were loved. You will always be remembered with great fondness by the Peters family. Love Col, Joy, Iona, Evie, Amelie and Rauri xx

Joy

Joseph Henry Church Verhoeven, I’ve been wanting to write this for the last week or so, but I just haven’t had the words to describe how I feel. Joe, you were an amazing person, and I just wish we had more time with you. Your passing has taught me to put past hurt and pain aside for the greater good. Holding onto resentment and dwelling on the past only traps you, and life’s just too short for that. With everything you went through growing up with your dad, you still found it in your heart to let us back into your life. That says everything about the person you were. You rose above any resentment you could have carried, and that’s something I’ll always admire. I’m so thankful to your mum for being the rock in yours and Jackson’s lives. No matter what, she was always there for you both, and for that I’ll always be grateful. The bond you had with your Nan and Bazza was something really special. Anyone who saw you together could see how much you all loved each other. And your little brother Jackson absolutely adored you. That shows me the kind of love you gave—it was second to none. I met your girlfriend, Lucia, and it was easy to see how much you meant to her. I could also see how much happiness she brought into your life. That made me smile because you deserved that kind of love. My nephew, I’m so glad we reconnected recently and got to spend time together. We were lucky to share those moments, and my family and I will cherish them forever. This has taught me what is truly important in life—to love, to forgive, and to make time for the people who matter. I could go on for hours, but I want you to know that we’ll always be here for your mum and for Jackson. I’ll do my best to keep being there for them. Much love, Joe. You have changed me for life. Rest in peace, and I’ll see you again one day. Love always, Uncle Antz

Antz

Im sad you are not here Joe, see you when I see you

Harmoney Verhoeven

Joe, There really are no words to describe what your loss means to everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. You were such a friendly, caring young man. No matter who was around, you treated everyone with kindness, especially the younger kids. You never made them feel left out or less important, and that was just who you were. I'll always treasure the holidays we shared together. There were so many laughs and unforgettable memories, but one that will always make me smile is our ski trip and the snowman riding on the sled. It's moments like those that I'll hold onto forever. I know Cameron and Hamish loved our trips and adventures together. They looked up to you, and the fun, laughter, and kindness you brought to those days will stay with them always. You made your mum so incredibly proud of the man you were becoming. Your compassion, your warmth, and your genuine nature shone through in everything you did. Although your time with us was far too short, the impact you had on so many lives will never be forgotten. You will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in our hearts. Rest easy, Joe.

The Lester's

Joey You were my work little brother. I always loved chatting with you most days when I was still at your building and hearing what was going on in your life. I am so proud of who you became and everything you achieved. The last chat we had was about your girl and your new apartment and the last thing I said was how proud I was of you Although we weren’t ever in the same department, I loved how we would always have bar adventures with Ben and Conor (as well as everyone else, but we always showed up and kept it afloat). Your presence is so missed. Thank you for all the happiness and laughter you brought to our little group.

Alice

Dear Joe You were always like an older brother growing up to me when we were younger. Still always having fun but also putting me inline when I’d take stuff too far. Always loved living so close to you when we were kids and messing around. I Have the best memories of camping with our families and just having the best time. I’m in disbelief that you’re no longer with us and my heart goes out to your family and everyone who knows and loves you. Rest easy brother

Nico

Dear Joe I first meet you on the day of your christening and over the years as you were growing up I've always had a sense from those close to you how much you were loved and how proud they were of you. As a young man, on the few occasions I have spent time with you, your kind, gentle & caring nature has been evident as well as your quiet unassuming sense of humour. As a mother and grandmother I can only imagine how much your Mum & Nan will miss you, but knowing you are now with your beloved Pops will help them and the rest of the family in coming to terms with loosing you. You will be deeply missed, but forever loved and never forgotten. xxo Lots of Love Auntie Clare

Clare Price

I didn't know Joe but would like to pass on condolences to all of Joe's family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love from Emma Verhoeven Samantha, Caitlyn and Lukas Dorrepaal and Rebekah Gunther.

Emma Verhoeven

Our deepest condolences. We will be thinking of our family overseas in these times of sorrow. Love from JW and Nel, Ovezande, the Netherlands.

Nel Verhoeven

Joe, you will be missed by many for you were a truly kind, genuine soul with a wicked sense of humour, rest easy.

Evie

Dear Joey, You have been in my thoughts each day since your passing. I’m shocked and upset that you have been taken from us too soon, and I regret we didn’t share more time together. You were a great colleague and friend, we will miss you. Thank you for being part of my life. Arohanui, rest in peace

Edward

Joe I'm still in shock I can't believe we lost you so soon safe travels on your jurney ahead I pray we meet again in another life

Jozua Verhoeven

Dear Joe, when I first heard about your passing I was in denial, I didn't want to believe that someone as young and kind as you had been taken from us all. I know we were not close in age you being 23 and me being 17 but you never made that age difference akward and you always asked what new things were happening in my life because that's the sort of cousin you were. Words cannot express how hugely your loss has impacted this family. May We Meet Again Love from Anika

Anika

Forever young, forever missed. The brightest stars shine for a short time, but leave behind an eternal glow. You will be forever loved and remembered always in our hearts. Rest easy

Rodney & Kirsty

O God, help us not to despise or oppose what we do not understand. We will miss you Jo-Henry , but you will always be with us in our hearts and no can take that from us. Yours for ever Oma & Opa

Pieter & Hella Verhoeven

Jo, I didnt know you personslly well but I do know how much you were loved, how much you meant to your family and how much you were dotted on. You were the apple of ur mothers world. Ive know you mum most of our lives and everytime she talked about you I could see how proud she was, not just because she is your mum but because of the amazing human she raised you to be. My heart breaks for your mumma and your family but I know knowing you'll find solace with your awesome pops will hopefully bring solace to them in this dark time. My deepest sympathys to sar and family. Know my thoughts are with you more than ever and even though I cant be there know I am thinking of you and the family xx forever jen.

Jen vant

Joseph, you became a warmly welcomed part of our family when Lucia started dating you and we all love you. We so enjoyed having you with us every week for our family dinners by the fire, mini-golf, Easter egg and Christmas treasure hunts (you figured out the clues super fast and whispered the answers to me so you wouldn’t ruin the fun for everyone else—you were so thoughtful and kind). You made Lucia so happy and she lit up whenever you were together. You brought out the best in each other. And your love and deep tenderness for each other was such a gift. Thank you for loving my girl with all your heart. We love you and miss you so much. Wendy

Wendy

Joe-Henry, you came into this world with so much love to give. You showed others the importance of being authentic and were always the calm, listening ear that so many needed. Some of my favourite memories of you are from when you were little, dressed as Spider-Man. You loved jumping around, making people laugh, and bringing smiles to everyone around you. I also treasure the many family outings we shared and the holidays we took together, where you were loved and treated like another son. I am so grateful I had the privilege of watching you grow into the incredible person you became—someone Ruby and Austy admired and looked up to. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered. Rest in peace x

Tracy

I'll miss you more than anything. Were my best friend, most closest confidant, my biggest supporter. You were the greatest man I've ever known, life won't be the same without you. Love you Joe, rest in peace.

Matthew

Thank you for being such an impact in my life when i was growing up, teaching me how to play basketball and being the older brother i never had. love and miss you always

Enya

Thank you for helping me grow into the person I am today. Such a kind, gentle, funny soul. You will be so so missed, rest easy.

Iona

Joe, even though we didn’t know each other very well, I could clearly see what an exceptionally good person you were. It is truly heartbreaking to see you go — this is such terribly sad news for all of us. You will always be in our hearts, and your memory will stay with us forever. We will never forget how kind, genuine and wonderful you were, and we will hold all that made you special close to us always. You are at peace now, and God is always be by your side. Rest well, Joe.

Gracel

I dont know what to say. It's such a shock to us all. You were taken way too soon you had become a great young man. You will be missed. Aunty Viv & Bruce.

Vivienne Grimstrup

Joseph, my love, I am still in an utter state of shock. You’re the only person I really want to talk to right now because you could always make me feel better about anything. I know you had so much excitement for your life and future and becoming a ‘boring adult’. It breaks my heart your life was cut off with so much ahead of you, but I’m also glad you left us with so much fulfilment, hope, and happiness in you. I’m so grateful I got the privilege of being your girlfriend and partner in crime. You had me in disbelief every day that you were genuinely as good as you were, because I didn’t think anyone could actually be so whole heartedly well intentioned, kind, and perfect as you. I will always carry you with me in my head and heart for the rest of my life. I love you and I miss you so much more than anything I’ve felt before. I hope you tell Bazza only good things about me💗 Love, Lucia

Lucia

It's hard to find the words for a loss like this. Joe, your passing has left us heartbroken. To lose you so suddenly and unexpectedly has left a pain that is almost impossible to comprehend. It still doesn't feel real, and it's so hard to accept that you're no longer with us. You were one of the kindest, most caring, and genuinely coolest young men anyone could have known. You had a way of making everyone around you smile, and your quiet kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who was lucky enough to know you. Austin and Ruby absolutely loved you. They looked up to you so much, and you always made time for them. Austin will never forget you teaching him skateboard tricks, shooting hoops together, and making him feel like he was one of the boys. Ruby adored the way you would laugh with her, joke around, and make every moment fun. Those are memories they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives. I'm also incredibly grateful that I had the privilege of being part of your life from the very beginning. Watching you grow up in the same household from the day you were born was something I'll always cherish. Seeing the little boy you were become the remarkable young man you became was an honour that I will never take for granted. The hole you've left in our hearts is enormous. Our family will never be the same, but neither will we ever forget you. Your kindness, your laughter, your gentle heart, and the love you gave so freely will live on through every person whose life you touched. Rest easy, Joe. You were loved beyond words, and you will be missed beyond measure. We will carry your memory in our hearts every single day until we meet again. Love always, Adam, Gracel, Austin and Ruby.

Adam Church

Joe I miss you so much words aren't enough We had a special bond you and I And life will go on but it will never be the same without you Love always Nan xx

Karen Church

Rest easy Joe. You will be deeply missed, and remembered for the impact you had on those around you ☀️ Thinking of your family during this difficult time. ❤️

Gemma

You were one of a kind person, you were unselfish, independent, loving, caring, you were the person that people liked being around but to me you were one of my only friends and you really did love me and I love you so much too. Thanks to you I will forever be called Lil Joe.

Jackson

My beautiful baby boy, Joseph Henry - I adore you and love you fiercely. When I first held you in my arms, I had never known a love like it before. You are the joy, the peace, the fun, the strength and the rock in our world. You deserved to live the longest happiest life and have everything you ever wanted. I don’t want to believe that you are going away from us but I am happy to know that when you have gone to another world, you will be with Pops. His #1 Grandson. Joe Henry, my poo bum, my bud, we will always be with each other, forever xx

Mumma
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