Joan Mary Hellhake, age 84, of Quincy, died on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 9:29 a.m. She was born on May 31, 1930 in Quincy, the daughter of Lawrence & Hildegarde (Terwelp) Talken. She married Merle J. Hellhake on July 19, 1955 in St. Francis Catholic Church. He survives.

Mrs. Hellhake was a graduate of Notre Dame High School. After finishing high school, she worked for Paul W. Dodegge Insurance and in later years worked part-time at Bergner’s. She also was a professional drapery maker, and made many draperies for Quincy area homes and businesses.

Joan was a member of the Church of St. Peter. She was an active volunteer throughout the years her children were in school. She was involved as a Girl Scout leader, a Den Mother, the PTA, and QND Band Parents. In addition, she spent 30 years volunteering for St. Mary and Blessing Hospital Auxiliaries. She enjoyed going to card parties, and worked at many of them as well. Joan will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor.

In addition to her husband, Merle, she is survived by her children, Ann VonDeBur and her husband Joe of Sherman, IL, Tom Hellhake and his wife Marlene of Quincy, Janet Shaughnessy and her husband Tom of Chesterfield, MO, and Tim Hellhake of Independence, MO; Nine grandchildren, Kate VonDeBur, Jill & Kimberly Kraus, Gregory & Emily Hellhake, Grace & Jack Shaughnessy, Heath and Noah Hellhake; three great-grandsons; and a brother, Larry Talken and his wife Mary of Quincy. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Katherine Kraus; three sisters, Becky Siebers, Mary Ann Ehrhart and Patricia Hyde.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Peter by Rev. Roy Bauer. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. A private family visitation will be held, and family and friends are invited to the mass at St. Peter Church. Memorials are suggested to Quincy Notre Dame or to St. Peter Parish. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.