She was the beloved wife of the late Arthur J. Dippel, loving mother of Steve (late Fran) Dippel, Diane (Rick) Silhavy, Denise Schwarzbach and Stan (Lisa) Dippel. Grandmother of Patrick Dippel, Amy Borowiak - Bree and Rikki Silhavy - Derek, Nick, Tim and the late Matt Schwarzbach - Brooke Gerger, Sydney Pawlowski and Holden Dippel. Great Grandmother of Camryn and Nolan - Ben, Luke, Jack and Henry - Evy. Daughter of the late Harold & Christine Mehler, Sister of the late Sharon (Mehler) Busby and dear aunt, cousin and friend to so many.
In her younger days, she was involved with Jobs Daughter #3, attending Miss Hickey’s secretarial school, enjoyed modeling and attended many social events.
The voted “Basketball Queen” Joan married her Cleveland High School sweetheart Arthur in May 1954. Their journey began as he served in the US Army stationed in Alaska. Upon return to St. Louis, the family began to grow (including the many years of fostering 11 children).
Joan got involved in Education and leadership at Nottingham Elementary and Hope United Church of Christ - which lead her into a career of 20 years of Ministry as an Ordained Minister from Eden Seminary in 1979.
She served Hope UCC, Jesus UCC and Mt. Tabor UCC churches. Joan was involved in state and local committees of Mid - Missouri UCC conferences along with many Youth Group Programs and volunteered with the Police Department District #2 for over 10 years.
Mom and Dad were proud supporters of Emmaus Home in Marthasville, Mo, Camp Moval-Tambo in Union, Mo. and Missionary work in India. Their passion and love were being world travelers many times with family and friends.
As we reflect on our mother’s years with us we feel her love in our heart and soul - she taught us to be kind, respectful to others and to express our thankfulness/gratitude to people - mom taught us the art of giving, sharing, caring and doing for others, - we learned the importance of family gatherings & the value of lifelong friendships - laughing, hard work ethics, chores, travel, organization, being responsible, playing Chinese checkers, leadership ,entertaining, joy and living life to our best.
We were blessed to have you as our mother; you will always be loved dearly and will be eternally missed by us all.
SERVICE: Visitation Monday, May 13th from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street at Watson. Funeral Service Tuesday, May 14th 11:00 am at Hope UCC Church, corner of Tamm and Eichelberger. Private interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
If desired, donations in Pastor Joan’s name may be made to LSS Hospice Foundation, 1150 Hanley Ind. Ct.; St. Louis, MO 63144 www.lssliving.org/services/hospice/ or Hope UCC, 6273 Eichelberger St.; St. Louis, MO 63109 www.hopeuccstl.org/
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