JoAnn C. Merz, 72 of Crestwood, Missouri, formerly of Teutopolis, passed away at 6:40 a.m., March 5, 2015 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham.

A memorial celebration will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the Bauer Funeral Home in Teutopolis, as well as being remembered at the 5:30 p.m. mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis.  A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2015 in St. Francis Cemetery, Teutopolis. Memorials may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis, School Sisters of Notre Dame or to her parish, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 1420 Sappington Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126. Online condolences may be left at www.bauerfh.com.

JoAnn was born June 26, 1942 in Teutopolis, the daughter of George H. and Mary P. Esker (Kremer) Esker. She relocated to St. Louis, Missouri following her high school graduation. JoAnn was employed as a medical transcriptionist with St. Louis University Hospital, and for the past 13 years, with the Bone & Joint Institute.  She also worked part-time with the Arthritis Consultants. JoAnn was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Crestwood, Missouri.

JoAnn is survived by her brother, Michael Esker of Katy, TX and four sisters, Marian (Dennis) Smith of East Lansing, MI, Margaret Lumetta of El Cerrito, CA, Judy (Joe) DiStefano of Palm City, FL and Sr. Clara Esker, S.S.N.D. of Watsonville, CA.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alan G. Merz and brother-in-law, Sam Lumetta.