Burkemper, Joan Marie, O'Fallon, Missouri, fortified with the sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, lost her battle with lung cancer on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the age of 78. Loving wife of Curtis W. Burkemper, beloved daughter of the late Chester and Cecelia Ryals; devoted mother of Michelle (Scott) Luecal and Matthew (Sandra) Burkemper; cherished grandmother of Kristen (Garret) Richardson, Melissa (Andy) Schomaker, Adam (Alycia) Ward, Mackenzie Burkemper, and Morgan Burkemper; treasured great-grandmother of 4; dear sister of twin brothers, Melvin (Alice) Ryals and Kelvin Ryals.
Joan enjoyed a full life devoted to her family and a career as a business owner/operator of O'Fallon Dog n Suds and G&S Chicken, as well as a successful real estate agent.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Assumption Catholic Church School Fund or Masses.