Joan S. Mehl

Joan S. Mehl, the daughter of Fredrick and Wilma Siegel was born November 27, 1928 in Stratton, Nebraska. She died April 6, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona.
Joan grew up and attended school in Stratton. She lived in a household which included not only her parents, her two brothers Bill and Casey, but also, because of the difficulties in the 30's, a grandmother, aunt, and uncle. Upon graduation from Stratton High School, Joan attended Colorado Woman's College in Denver, where she earned her associate's degree. After teaching school for a year, she came to Beloit for the summer to work for her aunt Rose Siegel, owner of Siegel and Chitwood Clothing Store. In Beloit, she met Chet Mehl and was united in marriage with Chet in Stratton on August 27, 1950. One daughter was born to that union. The couple was privileged to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2000.
Joan worked at the Beloit Elementary School as a s secretary for over 20 years. She was a member of the Beloit United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School there for many years. Also, Joan was a member of the Beloit Eastern Star and served in a variety of stations including that of worthy matron.
Joan was a very creative person. Her passion to create, the quest to express herself through the beauty of form, flowed through her naturally and effortlessly. She painted with oils and acrylics, carved wood, crafted gourds, wove baskets, knotted macramé, was an excellent seamstress, and a gourmet cook. The interior of her home echoed this creativity as did her love of growing flowers and floral arrangements. Every project she undertook, and these were many, became for her an exploration of the creative process.
Joan loved relating to children. For her children were always a great source of joy and pleasure. Her many years employed with the Beloit Elementary School were deeply satisfying and happy years, because they were filled with the innocence and pure unadulterated delight of children. Whenever she saw a child in need, she did everything she could to fill that need, whether it be mending, new clothes, food, medical aid, or simply special recognition and attention. Joan held a deeply compassionate understanding of children. They touched her heart and brought meaning to her life. After retiring from the Elementary School, she began teaching at Vacation Bible School. In later years the light of her life was the next-door neighbor Bates children, whom she cherished and loved dearly. They always brought a smile to her face and a glow to her heart. Their visits were the high point of her day.
Joan enjoyed playing golf for many years and enjoyed playing bridge throughout the entirety of her life. In earlier years, she was quite enthusiastic about taking on the challenges of duplicate bridge.
For over 25 years, Joan traveled south each fall to spend the winter months in sunny Mesa, Arizona. During these years, she played tennis, enjoyed square dancing and social dancing, volunteered for charitable groups, and hosted and participated in community events. For years she was a member of a hiking group that went on weekly hikes into the mountain and desert wilderness. Joan loved the vistas, the colors, and the expansiveness of the southwest. Her winters in Mesa were very active with involvement in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities.
Joan embodied the qualities of strength, will, determination, and independence. Whenever she set an intention there would be follow-through to the point of completion. Joan's word was her truth, and she lived from a place of honesty and integrity. She always gave her last effort to each and every undertaking. She was reliable, dependable, capable, competent, and hard working. Joan was a dedicated wife and mother. Her actions were often selfless, putting aside her personal needs and desires to support those of her family.
Joan is survived by her two brothers, Bill Siegel and Casey Siegel, both of Morrill, Nebraska, and a daughter, Karla Mehl of Parthenon, Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents Fredrick and Wilma Siegel, and her husband Chet Mehl.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 11:00 AM.