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Joan McNeal Awald
Apr 09, 1953 - Nov 27, 2021

Joan McNeal Awald, of Kansas City, Mo., died November 27, 2021 at St. Lukes Hospice House.

 

Born April 9, 1953, in Chanute, Kan., she was the youngest of six daughters born to Harold and Lois McNeal.

 

It was love at first sight when Joan met John Awald in Chanute. They married soon after, on July 12, 1975, and moved to Brookings, S.D., in 1977.  Life in a university town proved to be a perfect fit for both of them. Armed with a 3-year calendar, assorted storage containers and poster putty, Joan planned and organized life at home and in the community. Always an active volunteer, she worked at local elections, provided transportation to area medical facilities and helped at daughter Elizabeth’s school events.

 

Her love of maps led her to a degree in geography and a job in geographic information systems at RSII/Ameritech for several years. She later became a CPR/First Aid instructor with the Brookings County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Travel was one of her passions so she planned several trips to Jeep Jamboree events around the country, putting her map collection to good use.

 

In 2005, the couple moved to Kansas City and has lived in the Brookside neighborhood since. A fun challenge of many of those years was organizing the Armour Hills Fourth of July parade. In Kansas City, she was employed by Cancer Action and by the American Public Works Assn. In retirement, she and John delivered Meals on Wheels. In 2020, she was given the Outstanding Service Award for her volunteer work at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church.

 

She took pride in her brief notoriety when she fended off an armed robber at a Brookside ATM by yelling obscenities and lying about her account balance, earning her the nickname “Bad Ass Moron” among her friends and family.

 

Survivors include her beloved husband of  46 years; her daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Justin Billet, grandson Dane and granddaughter Kingsley, all of Merriam, Kan.; five sisters, Carolyn Smith of Houston, Texas, Emily Robinson of Harveyville, Kan., Susan Luellen of Chanute, and Hannah Welniak and Judi Highbaugh of Norman, Okla.; several nieces and nephews; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Anne Awald of Buffalo, N.Y.; and her dear friends, Linda and Allen Whitaker of Brookings.

 

Services will be held Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at HJ’s Community Center, 6425 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Mo., from 1:30-4:00 pm.

 

The family suggests memorials to Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Cancer Action in Overland Park, Kan., or All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church of Kansas City, Mo.

 

 
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Celebration of Life
Location:
HJ’s Community Center
Address:
6425 Wornall Rd.
City:
Kansas City
State:
Missouri
Zip Code:
64113
Date of Service:
Dec 15, 2021
Time of Service:
1:30 pm
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Barbara Bemis Nov 27, 2021

Friend from All Souls KC ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Thoughts and blessings to her family and friends.

Frederick Newman Nov 28, 2021

Friend and Admirer ,Kansas City ,Missouri

A true friend. Admired her grace and whit. Yes, she was also a "Bad Ass Moron" in tough situations but she always there for us. Although we will miss Joan's physical presence, she will always be with us in our thoughts and in our hearts ("And, what would Joan have done in these circumstances?").

Charles E Downing Nov 28, 2021

friend at All Souls ,Roeland Park ,Kansas

Finis Too much to bear but it must be borne it will be borne. To reach out reach and reach and not be able to touch you. Never again to feel your hug except in dim, wishful memory, or a dream; crying. With our sympathy, Chuck And Carol

Linda and jack smith Nov 28, 2021

Friends ,Parkville ,Missouri

The lights dimmed in Kansas City when you moved on from this world. You are missed

Frank Stevens Nov 28, 2021

A Friend ,Grandview ,Missouri

There is a saying in effect; between friends, joy shared is multiplied and sorrows shared are halved. That joy has been unfolding for so long with Joan it has been easy, its doubling taken for granted. But sorrows shared, we are about that task now and I don't think this sadness can be quelled so simply. Condolence, just a word. How does one take comfort in just a word? To John and family, know the weight of your loss is felt as well by all of your many friends.

GORDON B LEAK Nov 28, 2021

Friend ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Joan was one of the brightest lights of the All Souls Coffee Group which has been meeting for several years at various coffee shops, mainly in the Brookside area. Her laughter was unique and inspired others to laugh. She was very generous with her stories about her family, life in general, and jokes about her husband John! She is dearly missed.

Diane L Good Nov 28, 2021

Friend ,Chanute ,Kansas

John and family, I am very sorry to hear of Joanie's passing. I always considered her a good friend and her loss is very sad for me. I'm glad I got to see you both a few years ago. I remember when you guys first met. Fun times! John, I didn't realize you guys had moved to the KC area. I will be moving to Blue Springs in the next few months. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. Diane

Juli Heaston Nov 28, 2021

Devoted Hanger-on ,Fort Wayne ,Indiana

I met Miss Joan on my first day at APWA. Like John, I fell in love with her almost immediately. She was a mentor, a friend, a point of light for all of those lucky enough to have known her, and the best proof reader a gal could have on her side. (And, again, how appropriate is that Oxford Comma?) For as much work as we accomplished, we laughed even more. The sun will never again be quite so bright.

Linnea Powell Nov 28, 2021

cousin ,Valatie ,New York

So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.

Kodi Osmond Nov 28, 2021

Illegitimate Family ,Chanhassen ,Minnesota

Joan and John were like my bonus parents, dealing with their daughter's friends' antics and dishing as well as they could take. It's been many years since I've seen them, but I'm heartbroken to hear of Joan's passing (even though I'm laughing at her obituary). All love and strength to everyone feeling the void of this loss.

Casey J Kisner Nov 28, 2021

Such a beautiful soul. It was an honor and a privilege to cross paths. I know this is hard for you John, please take care of yourself.

Drew Herren Nov 29, 2021

Contractor ,Overland Park ,Kansas

As they say, only the good die young, her spirit, will, and mind was amazing. I always looked forward to doing remodeling projects with them because of Joan....jk John but she made it delightful. She was always so cheerful to work with and friendly to be around, I will miss her company as I look after John in the future. ❤

Dori Bader Nov 29, 2021

Friend from All Souls ,KC ,Missouri

I first met Joan when she knocked on our door one Sunday. She said she heard at church that Joe had cancer and wanted to make us aware of the services offered where she worked. Then she offered to drive us there. After Joe died, she was there for me too. She made me laugh when I needed it and understood my tears. Her laughter was contagious. She will be missed.

Terry L Cushman Nov 29, 2021

Friend from All Souls ,Olathe ,Kansas

Joan has such a caring and compassionate soul. Our deepest sympathies to John and the rest of her family. With love, Terry Cushman and Marc Shiff

Judy Lindquist Walters Nov 29, 2021

Friend ,Chanute ,Kansas

So very sorry to hear of Joanie’s passing! She always had a smile on her face and a great laugh! I will miss her!

Jacalyn Blough Wrestler Nov 30, 2021

Friend and classmate ,Rock Hill ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear of Joan's passing. We grew up together and spent a lot of our grade school years together. She was so much fun and loved being around her. Will miss her and sending prayers for her family that they stay strong and always remember what a wonderful person she was even as a young girl.

Brian Mee Dec 06, 2021

Friend ,Manassas ,Virginia

Sorry to hear of Joan's passing. Haven't been in touch for 40 years but it sounds like she had a full and fulfilling life. Condolences to John and Elizabeth.

Mary and Doug O'Neill Dec 13, 2021

Friend ,Brookings ,South Dakota

We are very sorry to hear about Joan's passing. There were many things to admire about Joan, but her sense of humor, wit, charm, hospitality and organizational skills are at the top of our list. Without her pushing and prodding, we would probably still be dating rather than married! Rest in peace, our friend!

Marvin and Deb Privett Dec 22, 2021

Old neighbors ,Brookings ,South Dakota

John, Liz and family, I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of Joan's passing from a recent Medary Acres gathering we had in honor of Mary Egart. I had known she received the ovarian cancer diagnosis and thought how unfair. I always asked Linda every greenhouse season how you all were. I will always remember her infectious smile and the spunk in her personality. She was sincerely a delightful person and I know she will be sorely missed. With heartfelt sympathy, The Privett's