Joan Marie (Blechle) Whiteside, 79, formerly of Festus, died Jan. 2, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mrs. Whiteside grew up in the Festus area, and she attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and St. Pius X High School, where she was a member of the second graduating class. She worked as a cashier at Central Hardware. Outside of work, she enjoyed traveling, sewing, reading and, most of all, spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of Calvary Chapel in Festus. Before joining Calvary Chapel, she was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Born April 14, 1946, in Festus, she was the daughter of the late Anton Blechle and Agnus (Werner) Blechle.
She was preceded in death by her husband: James Whiteside.
She is survived by two daughters: Stephanie (Chuck) Miller of Festus and Donna (Mark) Myers of Festus; two brothers: Robert (Bonita) Blechle of Festus and Vernon (the late Margie) Blechle of De Soto; five grandchildren: Kyle Miller, Kara Arseneault, Jillian (Isaac) Chapman, Miranda (Connor) Waghoff and Lily Myers; three great-grandchildren: Natalie, Salem, Cohen and one more great-grandchild on the way; and many other family members and friends.
She also was preceded in death by a brother: Gerald (Darlene) Blechle; and a sister: Earline (Bill) Backof.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Mahn Twin City Chapel, 515 Collins Ave., in Festus. Services are scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Scott Parker. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel.