Joan Arc McDonnell

Joan “Jo Ann” McDonnell, 99, of St. Joseph passed away December 11, 2017 at Hanson Hospice House in Stevensville with family at her side. Joan was born August 22, 1918 to Edward and Susan Bender in Waterloo Iowa. Joan graduated from East High in Waterloo and had many friends from the class of 1936. Joan’s sister Virginia lived in St. Joseph with her husband Elmer “Sody” Sodergren and their son Arnold. Joan moved here after hearing good things about the area from them. During World War II, Joan worked at the Upton Machine Company (later Whirlpool) making airplane parts. She met her future husband Bartley McDonnell there. They married in 1947. The couple had two children; Susan (Wolfe) in 1949 and Michael in 1951. Joan almost always had the radio on. She had missed reports of the attack on Pearl Harbor and never wanted to miss breaking news again. During her younger years, Joan was an avid roller skater and swimmer. She read classic mysteries, especially those of Rex Stout. Joan and Bartley were longtime members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph. Joan was an active member of the Marian Guild. She served on the Twin Cities Area Safety Council for many years. Joan and Bartley were both long-time fans of the Chicago Cubs. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter, her parents, six sisters and two brothers. Surviving her are her son Michael McDonnell, son-in-law Richard Wolfe, numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. Joan’s body will be cremated. Internment will occur at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services. Memorials in Joan’s name may be made to the Msgr. Sears Tuition Assistance Fund. Those wishing to sign Joan’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Joan’s family would like to thank the staff of Crown Pointe for their loving care of Joan while she lived there and Hanson Hospice House for making her last days so peaceful. Many thanks.