Joan Belk

(From Parker Mortuary)

Joan Lorraine Belk, 87, Joplin, passed away on December 26, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Joan was born on September 6, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to Leo August Budzisch and Jean Barbara (Konkol) Budzisch.

Joan graduated from Shrine Catholic High School in Detroit in 1954. She then attended Wayne State University in Detroit, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics.

A proud veteran, Joan enlisted in the United States Army in 1959, serving as a dietitian in the Army Medical Corps and rising to the rank of Captain. This time in her life was always special to her. She traveled the world and made lifelong friends.

While stationed in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, a friend set up a date for Joan with Charles Belk, a guidance counselor from nearby Lansing, Kansas. They quickly hit it off and were married on October 8, 1965, a bond that lasted for fifty-one years. Joan left the army soon afterward, and Charles and Joan spent time in Grants, New Mexico, and Lebanon, Missouri, before settling in Joplin, Missouri, in 1969 with their two kids, Chris and Jennifer.

Joan built a distinguished career in the private sector as a Registered Clinical Dietitian, serving a number of health care providers, including Integris Miami (Oklahoma) Hospital, the former Oak Hill Hospital in Joplin, the Missouri Veterans Hospital in Mount Vernon, Missouri, and Mercy Hospital in Carthage, Missouri. At Oak Hill, Joan served as the Food Service Director and as a part of the Metabolic Support Team. She was a Certified Diabetic Educator and an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for almost 65 years. Joan was passionate about her calling and amazingly, retired from Mercy Carthage only recently at the age of 85.

Joan had many interests and an active social life. She was a long-time member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and Joplin First Church, where she sang in the Chancel Choir and played in the Memorial Handbell Choir. Always a lover of music, she also sang with her son and daughter-in-law in the Missouri Southern Choral Society.

Throughout her life’s adventures, she made and sustained many close friendships that played an active part in her life until the moment she passed. Her family thanks those wonderful friends from the bottom of their hearts.

More than anything, Joan loved her family. She and Charles loved each other deeply and they enjoyed traveling around the country and spending time with their kids and grandkids. For fifty-seven years, Joan was always eager to attend the next sporting event, dance recital, or concert. Whether the kids and grandkids were playing, coaching, or performing, she wanted to be there to cheer them on. She was also thrilled to welcome her first great-grandchild recently.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Jean, and her husband, Charles. She is survived by her sister Jeanne Lachowicz of Phoenix, Arizona, son Christopher (Melissa) Belk of Joplin; daughter Jennifer Belk of Joplin; grandchildren, Evan (Dayzah) Belk and Hannah Belk; and great-grandson, Arlo Belk. The family would be remiss if they didn’t include Joan’s constant companion, her beloved dog, Lucy.

A celebration of Joan’s remarkable life will be held at Joplin First Church on 4th and Byers. The date and time will be published in the near future.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary with private inurnment of her ashes at Osborne Memorial Columbarium.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin First Church Music Department in care of Parker Mortuary.

Joan’s family would like to extend their warmest thanks to Dr. Bryan Barnes and staff, and Dr. Atman Shah and staff, who took wonderful care of her for many years and buoyed her fighting spirit. They would also like to thank the staff of Compassus. Their compassion, dedication, and care have left an indelible impression.