Joan Wayne

Joan Francis Wayne of Bettendorf, having recently celebrated her 90th birthday, passed peacefully into spirit on November 8, 2021, at her home surrounded by family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Bettendorf.  Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf.  A prayer service will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Friday evening.  Burial will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to Unity Point Hospice.

Joan was born on November 1, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Francis “Frank” and Virginia “Gubby” Whelan.  The matriarch of the Wayne family of five children, she was the last direct descendant of the Whelan clan, with ancestors who came to this country in the early 1900’s through Ellis Island from Knockananna, Ireland. Proud of her Irish birthright she was equally as honored to be part of the Wayne family heritage she married into. After her retirement she did extensive ancestral research (prior to the internet) and assembled a detailed, written record and lineage of both family trees.

Joan was well known for her vibrant sense of humor, master gardening of growing superior organic tomatoes and vegetables, and her abilities as an avid angler, often out fishing her husband Jerry with bigger and more fish. She always claimed to have better bait. She was a passionate photographer, ceramic artist, and played the extreme coupon/ refund game long before today’s popularity.

Devout Roman Catholics, her late husband Jerry and Joan were diligent in their work ethics and instilled those qualities while raising their five children. She was always there as a mother and unselfishly made time for any of her children if a special need arose.

She was an enthusiastic cook and lifelong seamstress. For many years those in her special circle of receiving could always expect a hand-made robe or custom garment for a Christmas or birthday gift. No stranger in the kitchen she always made sure that everyone at the table had a well-balanced meal and rarely could you get out of her house without an insistent sandwich or piece of cake in your hand.

Integral through life was she and Jerry’s adamant love of camping, fishing and exploring the outdoors.  Towing a camper along with a current family dog, they followed their passion traveling the country, eventually visiting all 50 states.

Joan became a dental assistant with the Veterans Administration in her early career employed at the Jefferson Barracks Hospital near St. Louis.  She continued her civil service work at the Rock Island Arsenal, until her retirement.

Joan is survived by her five children, David (Suzanne) Wayne of East Moline, Illinois, Michael (Kendra) Wayne of Sarasota, Florida, Mary (Harold) Fortner of Grinnell, Iowa, Thomas (Dung) Wayne of Portland, Maine, and John (Michelle) Wayne of Oskaloosa, Iowa; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and two sisters.