Joan Elizabeth Mehlbauer Wimsatt, 88 of Owensboro, passed away on July 15, 2024. She took her last breath with her family gathered around her in prayer. She was born September 18, 1935, in Owensboro to the late Bernard and Mary Louise Bell Mehlbauer. She was a 1954 graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Milton Shively Wimsatt. Joan was a lifetime member of St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church.
Joan was a farmer’s wife, a renowned baker and a dedicated homemaker for her large family. Her family will attest that some of her best handiwork included chocolate fudge, divinity, and lemon ice box pie, just to name a few. She adored her family and would consider them her greatest accomplishment. She enjoyed many hobbies over the years including card games with friends, family, and neighbors, sewing, decorating, cooking, gardening and the occasional trip to “the Boat”. In her later years, if she wasn’t spending time with her family or being entertained by her great-grandchildren, she was playing cards or computer slots, watching UK basketball or working puzzles.
Joan had a servant’s heart and was the epitome of selflessness. She was known for her kind spirit and joyful personality and was a blessing to all that knew her.
Along with her parents, Joan is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Milton Shively Wimsatt; a son, Bryan Wimsatt; grandson, Christopher Wimsatt; and 4 siblings, Patty Beard, Bernard “Junie” Mehlbauer, Richard Mehlbauer, and Bobby Mehlbauer.
Joan is survived by six of her seven children, Jennifer (Brian) Flaherty, Michael (Cathy) Wimsatt, Joey (Felicia) Wimsatt, David (Tammy) Wimsatt, Julie Mattingly, and Joni Flaherty; 15 grandchildren, Ashley (Kenny) Marsh, Crystal (Ryan) Howard, Sarah (Clayton) Tuma, Jack (Myranda) Wimsatt, Luke (Jennifer) Cecil, Jordan (Jake) Boswell, Lauren (Michael) Keller, Megan (Patrick) Penrod, Nolan (Katelyn) Wimsatt, Madison (Patrick) Schieber, Morgan (Drew) Bowen, Madeline (Easton) Phelps, Aaron (Lydia) Wimsatt, Hunter (Marianna) Flaherty and Ben Flaherty and 26 great-grandchildren; siblings, Shirley Yeiser, Sandra Slaton, Mary Michael Ebelhar, and David Mehlbauer; and a sister-in-law, Fay Mehlbauer.
Mass of a Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 22, 2024, at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church. Burial to follow at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with prayers being said at 6:00 pm, on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory and again on Monday, July 22, 2024, from 9:00 am until the time of Mass at St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Carmel Home, 2501 Old Hartford Road, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303, or to St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church, 81 Church Street, Owensboro, KY 42301.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Wimsatt. Leave your messages of condolence for the family of Joan and sign her virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.