Joan Marie Esch, 91, of Festus died March 28, 2026. Mrs. Esch was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crystal City. She loved to travel and her hobbies included trout fishing, sewing and watching cooking shows. Her main interest was spending time with family and playing card games around the table. Born Nov. 12, 1934, in Crystal City, she was the daughter of the late Rose Marie (Magre) and Gilbert Govero.
She is survived by her husband of 73 years: Richard Joseph Esch; four children: Christy (Dwayne) Lockett of St. Charles, Richard C. (Tammie) Esch of Festus, Vivian Esch of Festus and Mary (Kevin) Roesch of Geneva, Ill.; four grandchildren: Henry (Dawn) Vaughn IV, Anthony Roesch, Matthew Roesch and Ethan Roesch; and three great-grandchildren: Lucas Vaughn, Chloe Vaughn and Carter Vaughn.
She was preceded in death by a sister: Marilyn (the late Robert) Scott.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 555 Bailey Road, in Crystal City, officiated by Father Zac Povis. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St. Vincent de Paul Society or Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.