MENDOTA — Joan L. DeWeerth, 88, formerly of Mendota, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2023 at Serenity Hospice in Oregon, IL.  

Joan was born on March 16, 1935, in Sterling, IL, to Herman H. and Lucielle I. (Lickhard) Oltman. She attended Rock Falls High School. She graduated in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. She married E. Allen DeWeerth on December 30, 1956. They lived in the Chicago suburbs, where she taught first grade. They moved to Mendota in 1961. Their son, Steve, was born in 1963, and their daughter, Suzie, was born in 1968.

Joan is survived by her identical twin sister, Jean (Art) Margheim, and her children Steve (Valerie) DeWeerth and Suzie Archer. She is also survived by eight grandchildren — Emily (Robert) Painter, Erik (Kimberly) Patterson, Allison Archer, Matthew (Emily) Archer, Hannah (Miguel) DeWeerth, Jesse DeWeerth, Alexa (Justin) Archer, and Abigail DeWeerth — and five great-grandchildren — Hayden Painter, Jack Painter, Aubrey Patterson, Penny Archer, and Lily Patterson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Al DeWeerth in 2010, her sister, Carol Proeger, and her great-granddaughter, River Patterson.

Joan participated enthusiastically in a number of volunteer and charitable organizations. She was deeply involved in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota: she served as an organist for 50 years, played with the praise band, sang in the choir, taught youth Sunday school, and led the Singing Mothers group. She was the chair of the local Christian Women’s Club and the President of the local Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA). She also served as the office manager for Al’s dental practice for almost 20 years.

There will be a small graveside service held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023 at Restland Cemetery in Mendota with Rev. Leo Patterson officiating. The Celebration of Joan’s life — followed by a luncheon — will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com