Joan Alice Fels

Joan Alice Fels (nee Courtney), 88, of Overland, MO passed away on June 19, 2026. Joan was born on September 30th, 1937, in St. Louis, MO. Joan graduated from Beaumont High School. She went on to earn her associate degree from Harris- Stowe College. After raising her three children as a full-time homemaker, she worked as a preschool teacher at Faith Salem Church.

Joan married Arthur D. Fels on July 12, 1958. They shared 51 years of marriage until his passing. Joan is survived by her daughter, Donna (Jeff) Murray (nee Fels); her grandchildren, Jill (Ben) Wilson, Zachary Murray, and John Fels, Jr.; her great- grandchildren, Kolby and Dax Wilson; her siblings, Jean (Sam) Thompson, Don (Donna) Courtney; and her nephew Michael (Teresa Thompson) and their children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Patrick Courtney and Bertha Alice Courtney (nee Budke); her sons, Arthur J. Fels and John Patrick Fels; and her niece Stacey Thompson.

Joan was known for being a wonderful caregiver. She was generous and always willing to help anyone she could. She loved sitting on her porch, enjoying beautiful weather, flowers and watching wildlife. She has a special love for children and their energy. Joan especially cherished spending time with her two great grandchildren. Family members will always remember her saying, “If you could just bottle up some of that energy”. She embraced her role as a grandmother wholeheartedly and was devoted to her family

A private graveside service will be held at Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be donated to Siteman Cancer Center.