Joan Joyce Rueweler (Mlynarzcyk)

July 30, 1939 – February 28, 2021

Lived a purposeful life with no regrets.

Born in St. Louis, Joanie is survived by daughter Debra (Alan) and son Mike (Marian); grandchildren, Dan (Amy), Alex (Arianne), Branden (Alexa), Caleb; Great-grandchild (Noah), brother John (Connie), chosen sister Kathy; and Aunt to Mark (Cheryl), Matthew (Ellie), Kate (Kurt) and Adam; Great Aunt to Roman, Sarah, William, Carter and Nic; Cousin to Linda (Jeff), Steve (Debbie), Danny (Rebecca), Sharon (Dominic), Sandy (Art), and Great Cousin to Sarah (Bob), Josh (Molly), Missy (Jeff), Nick (Jill), Jaime (Eddie), Christy (Jon), Julie (Mike), Jason, and AJ.

Joanie found her calling early in life and was passionate about her role as an operating room technician at Barnes Hospital for 46 years. She experienced an evolution in surgical technologies and techniques (general, transplant, vascular) and was pivotal in the first liver and kidney transplants at Barnes. She trained generations of surgeons, technicians, and nurses during her career. Popular, inclusive and caring, Joanie was respected for her knowledge by surgeons and staff alike. She worked with a few busy surgeons and would learn exactly how s/he performed the procedure. This skill allowed her to anticipate the next move and which instrument would next be required. Her dedication and prowess led to her recognition as the best surgical technician at Barnes for over 30 years.

Though small in stature, she was a vivacious, redheaded spitfire with a giant personality, joie de vivre, and youthfulness. Joanie enjoyed life to its fullest. She was a voracious reader, sparkling conversationalist, and lifelong learner, who was extremely generous and thoughtful with her time. She not only planned perfect parties, but also arrived with the gift you didn’t know you needed but couldn’t live without. She never met an animal she didn’t adore, a feature which neighborhood cats capitalized upon daily.

Joanie loved the annual family reunion, Goddess Trips with her family, planning family and work parties, jewelry making, walks in the Missouri Botanical Garden, reading, photography, chocolate, presents, shopping, adopting stray cats, hugging trees, and her frog collection. A true South Sider, Joanie’s last meal was a raspberry-chocolate chip concrete from Ted Drewes.

A Celebration of Life will be planned when it is safe to meet as a group.

Donations are requested to either the American Heart Association (American Heart Association | To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives), Missouri Botanical Garden (Donate (missouribotanicalgarden.org) or The Humane Society [Humane Society of Missouri • Animal Rescue • Pet Adoption • Veterinary Care (hsmo.org)}.