Joan Evan Schnelle (née Offerman) peacefully passed away in her home in Carthage, MO on April 21st, 2022.
Joan was born October 23, 1935 in Red Bud, IL to parents Rev. Theodore and Viola Offerman (née Binder). She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Paul Schnelle, her brothers, Donald and Nathan Offerman, and her son-in-law, Andrew Brauer. Joan graduated from Lockwood High School in 1953 and continued her studies at Missouri State University. On June 6, 1954, she married her adoring husband Paul at Zion Lutheran Church in Meinert, MO.
Joan, or “Joanie,” as her husband affectionately called her, met Paul in Meinert, MO while she was attending high school. Joan’s kind-heartedness and dedication to sharing God’s love was shown in her support of her husband as he completed his studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO and served congregations for 50 years in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas.
Participating in church choirs and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Joan was active in every church she and Paul led and attended. She welcomed everyone into her life and her home, eager to share with her family and friends her love for gardening, sewing, and cooking–especially her famous pies!
Joan is survived by her 8 beloved children: Douglas (Peggy) Schnelle, Kimberly (Perry) Davis, Dana (Vonda) Schnelle, Ethan (Theresa) Schnelle, Andrea Brauer, Rhonda (Matt) Nelson, Aaron (Kimberly) Schnelle, and Rachel Schnelle. She cherished her 20 grandchildren and many great- and great-great-grandchildren. She is dearly missed by her siblings, Judy, Jerry, and Virtus Offerman.
Funeral services will be held 11 am, Friday, April 29, 2022 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Joplin, Missouri, with viewing available from 10:00-10:45 am. Committal will be held 3 pm, Friday, April 29, 2022 at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery at Meinert, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. In honor of Joan, the family suggests memorial donations be directed to Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin, MO or Concordia Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO, in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
