Obituary of Joan Wiederholt Schmeltz

Joan Wiederholt Schmeltz of Dallas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on September 2 at the age of 92. Joan was born on September 26, 1930 in Stanberry, Mo. to John and Margaret Wiederholt. After graduating from Glennon High School in Kansas City, she met the love of her life, Bob Schmeltz, and they were married in 1953 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Kansas City, Mo.

In 1956, Bob and Joan left their hometown to start a new life in Dallas, where they were charter members of the new Mary Immaculate Catholic Community in Farmers Branch. What followed was a life as a reflection of the beauty, grace and kindness of a steadfast commitment to faith, family and friends.

Joan and Bob made many lifelong friends along the way through their involvement in the St. Joseph’s Guild and their shared commitment to the Catholic education of their children, all six going to Mary Immaculate, Ursuline Academy and Dallas Jesuit.

Joan had the sweetest nature, providing compassion, gentleness and tender faith in her devotion to her husband and six children.

She met every challenge as an opportunity to express her faith and dignity as an eample for her children, thus ensuring that while she has entered the Kingdom, her life of commitment to faith and family will live forever in those who knew her.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 70 years Bob, her son Paul (Sonia), her parents, her sister Lillian, and her brothers J.R. and Lee. She is survived by her daughter Terri Feuerborn (Chris) of Louisburg, Ks., son John (Kathy) of Dallas, Tx., her daughter Judy Evans (Mike) of Rowlett, Tx., daughter Barbara Newey (Mike) of Austin, Tx., son Tom of Dallas, Tx., sister Monica and brothers Jim, Tom and Joe. She is also survived by her cherished 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

The family wish to thank Christhouse and Ardent Hospice for their compassion and assistance.

The Rosary will be prayed September 29th at Mary Immaculate Church in Farmers Branch at 10:30am, followed by a celebration Mass at 11:00, concelebrated by Fr. Bruce Bradley and Joan’s brother Fr. Tom Wiederholt of Kansas City, Mo. Reception to follow at Brookhaven Country Club.

Joan will be inurned in the columbarium at Mary Immaculate Church beside her dearest husband Bob and beloved son Paul.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mary Immaculate Church or school.