Joan was born to Joseph Raleigh and Elizabeth “Bee”, nee Droste, Shaffer. She grew up in Shiloh, Illinois, and married James N. Hemmer at Corpus Christi Church on August 9, 1952. She accompanied him on his career in the US Air Force and the Department of Defense – AVSCOM. They lived in New York, Illinois, Virginia, Missouri and Arizona where Jim divorced her in 1988. Joan moved to Waco in 1993, to be closer to her “Texas kids”.
She was currently a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Austin, TX, and a former member of St. Jerome Catholic Church, Waco, TX. She was a dedicated and active volunteer with Newcomers and Neighbors, Historic Waco Foundation, The Board of Earle Napier Kinnard House, and served for over a decade through Retired Senior Volunteer Program at Lone Star Legal Service. In 1972, she became a tax professional and instructor for H&R Block.
Joan is survived by her eight children, Michael Hemmer of Austin, TX,
Mark Hemmer of Pacific, MO,
Laura Craig of Webster Groves, MO,
Philip Hemmer of Carrollton, TX/Fairfield Bay, AR,
Paul Hemmer of Austin, TX,
Gregory Hemmer of Madison WI,
John Hemmer, of Olalla WA,
Amy Hemmer, of St. Louis, MO;
and their spouses.
Joan is also survived by eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, October 16, 2016, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, October 17, 2016, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Shiloh, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, October 17, 2016, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. James Margason officiating.
Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Shiloh, IL.
Condolences Left For Joan Hemmer
To all the Hemmer children and spouses. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know the pain you are feeling. Will see you Sunday. Aunt Jo Ann
Jo Ann Shaffer, Lebanon, Illinois, 62254
My second Mom! She opened her arms and her home to me and loved me like one of her own. I have so many wonderful memories! Joan Hemmer, you were truly one of a kind! I will always hold you near and dear to my heart. I feel honored and blessed that you made me an honorary Hemmer!! Thank you!
Erin Murphy , Chesterfield, Mo, 63017
Dear Hemmer children and Johnnie, so sorry for the loss of your dear mom Joan. We had kept in touch all these years and “caught up” with each other every Christmas holiday season. She will be dearly missed.
Katie Zeich, Santa ana, Ca, 92705
Dear Hemmer Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dear Joan. I’m so glad that Joan and I kept in touch over the years. We met in CA in the 1980’s, and I visited her in AZ also. Such a sweet and caring lady. She will be missed.
Sincerely, Sue Zeich
Johnnie, Condolences from Sunshine as well.
Sue Zeich, Irvine, CA, 92614
To Athe Hemmer Family,
I’ve known Joan over 45 years. When I receive notice of her passing, my times with her raced through my heart and mind. She was always teaching me something that I still, gratefully, apply in my life to this day. I love you Mrs Hemmer, what a dear friend to me and the mother of my best friend. Rest In Peace in the Arms of Jesus, you will see your children again, the children you loved so deeply and with all of your heart.
I loved you like a mom and will cherish you as a friend!
With Sorrow, until we meet again……..
Bobbi Klemme
Bobbi Klemme Bowman, Springfield , Illinois , 62711
Prayers and Peace for you and your family, Paul. Lifting your lovely Mom up. Ted M
Edward Malta, New Orleans, LA,
My sympathies to Joan’s family. I knew her for several years and enjoyed my time with her. She loved sharing stories of her children and one knew how much she loved them. I admired how she coped with the eye problems. E Yokus
Eolior yokus, Waco, Texas, 76710
We are so sorry to hear of Joan’s death. We had so many good times with the Hemmers and Shaffers. We have stayed in touch every since she left St Louis. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Doty & Nita Waters, Brooket, Georgia,
Mrs. Hemmer was a fiesty, funny lady and a wonderful next door neighbor. She will be missed.
Lori Farris, Tampa, Florida, 33647
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Aunt Joan. I will always have fond memories of her. Rest In Peace.
Doug Shaffer, Maplewood, MO, 63143
Thinking about you and your family today Phil. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Tom and Amy Green, Roanoke, Texas, 76262
Phil and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you with sympathy and prayer. God bless you all at this difficult time.
Gary & Catherine Gollhofer, Grapevine, Texas, 76051