Joan Elizabeth (Beussink) McWilliams

Joan Elizabeth McWilliams, 59, of Leopold, passed away at her home on Monday, May 5, 2025. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Fred and Betty (Thiele) Beussink, on October 3, 1965. She was the first of 5 girls and one boy, who paved the way for her siblings.

Joan was a 1984 graduate of Leopold High School. After graduation, Joan enlisted in the United States Army and remained in the service for 8 years. During her enlistment, Joan was stationed in Fort Polk in Louisiana and achieved the rank of Specialist.

Joan was united in marriage to John McWilliams on March 22, 1986, at St. John Catholic Church in Leopold.

She was a strong-willed woman who fought cancer and won. She helped run the kitchen at times during the Leopold Picnic. She loved to garden and had the touch to make anything grow.

Joan was the backbone of her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and wife and she was always a phone call away when anyone was in need. Everyone that knew her would say one thing for certain, she was a badass.

Survivors include her husband: John McWilliams; mother: Betty Beussink; sons: Christopher (Nikki) McWilliams, Brian McWilliams, Andrew (Christin) McWilliams; daughters: Diana (Justin) Gagnon, Sara (Trent Elfrink) McWilliams; siblings: Matthew (Courtney) Beussink, Julie (Harlan) Elfrink, Susan Brandel, Nancy Keim and Ann Glass; 16 grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her father: Fred Beussink.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 10:00 am, at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Leopold. Following the graveside, there will be a meal prepared at St. Anthony’s Hall in Glennon. It was Joan’s wishes for everyone to remember their stories with her throughout their lives, there will be no public viewing.