Joan Elizabeth Terstriep (1944-2024) made the most of eighty wondrous years on this earth. She passed away peacefully in her Kansas City home on April 2, 2024 after a 2 year battle with cancer. Up to her final days she was surrounded by family and friends, notably her loving husband of almost 60 years, Mark Terstriep, her three children: Tracy, Michael, and Lori, and 6 grandchildren.

Daughter to Harry and Mary Bernbrock, the Quincy town girl attended St. Boniface and Quincy Notre Dame High School with siblings Greg, Mark and Barbie Bernbrock. She went on to Spring Hill Jesuit College and Quincy University to study primary education. Throughout high school and college she combined her love for dance and sports as a cheerleader. Joanie began a teaching career in Southern California, and remained near the sunny beaches (and Disneyland!) to build her own family with husband, and Quincy native, Mark Terstriep. Despite the distance, extended family remained a cherished priority- and what a big extended family it was! Joanie gained 8 brother and sister-in-laws from the Terstriep side; she would become “Aunt Joanie” to 46+ nieces and nephews.

Through the Catholic church, schools, cul-de-sacs and even Costco, Joanie built communities of friendship and support wherever she went. The many ‘circles of Joanie’ are a testament to her infectious joy for people, places and adventure. In 2005, Mark and Joanie retired to Kansas City. Our eternal cheerleader couldn’t have chosen a better home; Go Chiefs! Go Royals! Go Jayhawks and Sporting KC!  A return to family was the greatest gift of all, undoubtedly these past couple years. We say goodbye to our dear wife, mother, sister, friend as the flowers bloom and birds chirp. Joan celebrated the promise of Easter and spring year round. She brought sunshine, hope and God’s love wherever she went.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 pm, on May 30, at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, Leawood, KS. 

The family wishes to keep Joan’s memory alive through the same simple acts of kindness she spread daily. Any donations in her honor can be made to Children’s Mercy, Kansas City.