JoAnn Walster

JoAnn Walster, 87, of Lamar, Missouri, passed away at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, surrounded by her family. JoAnn was born on July 28, 1939, in Waterloo, Illinois, the daughter of Joe and Anna (Shafer) Wienhoff. JoAnn graduated from St. Peter and Paul Catholic High School in 1957. 

On July 26, 1958, she married Robert (Bob) Walster at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo, Illinois. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. 

JoAnn’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted member of her parish and found great joy in serving her community. She generously gave her time to the Emergency Services for Children and faithfully served as a hospice volunteer for many years. Her compassionate heart, selfless spirit, and unwavering kindness touched the lives of everyone she met. 

JoAnn is survived by her two sisters, Marcella (Joe) Pour and Sharon Hesterberg of Waterloo, Illinois; her brother, Ed (Emma Sue) Wienhoff of Waterloo, Illinois; her sisters-in-law, Sharon Wienhoff of Tucson, Arizona, and Rita (Stan) Osterhage of Republic, Missouri. She also leaves behind her children, Lisa (Steve) Higginbotham of Liberty, Missouri, Jeffry Walster (Cheryl Dennis) of Rockaway Beach, Missouri and Wendy (Jim) Schiltz of Lamar, Missouri. She was a proud grandmother of ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and two special extra “daughters” Barbara Perrea and Cheryl Huebner. 

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Anna Wienhoff; her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) Walster; one brother, David Wienhoff; one brother-in-law, Forrest (Hess) Hesterberg; her grandchildren, Tristan and Kylee Schiltz, and her great-granddaughter Adley Fitzsimmons. 

JoAnn will be remembered by her steadfast faith, generous heart, her contagious smile and laughter and the love she shared with her family, friends, and community. Her legacy of compassion and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. 

A visitation under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mount Vernon will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Aurora, Missouri with a funeral mass to follow at 3:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at the Mount Calvary Cemetery, in Aurora. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Parrish Council of Catholic Women or the Emergency Services for Children in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.