We Live in Hearts We Leave Behind~Thomas Campbell

A funeral will be held Thursday, January 5, 2012 for 75-year-old Joan M. Bauwens of Perryville, who died January 2, 2012 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born August 16, 1936 in McBride, daughter of Alto George and Ray Ann (Streiler) Thayer who both preceded her in death.

She married Wayne Herman Bauwens on April 26, 1958. He survives in Perryville.

She is survived by three sons: Michael (Sharann "Punkin") Bauwens, Kurt (Diane) Bauwens and Jay Bauwens (special friend Natalie McMillian) all of Perryville; two daughters: Tammy (Curtis "Butch") Blandford, Kelly Martin (special friend Tom Leible) all of Perryville; two sisters: Virginia (Richard) Riney of Quincy, Illinois and her twin sister: Janet Geile of St. Peters; 11 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a brother: Harris Thayer; a granddaughter: Nalin Huber; a grandson: Dustin Blandford; a son in law: Kent Martin and a brother in law; Harold Geile.

She was a homemaker and loving mother. She loved taking care of her grandchildren. She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Sereno.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2012 and 6:30-9:20 a.m. Thursday, January 5, 2012 at the Young & Sons Funeral Home in Perryville. A Catholic wake will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and a rosary will be held at 8:15 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

A funeral mass for 75-year-old Joan M. Bauwens of Perryville will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 5, 2012 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Sereno. The Rev. Francis Agnew, C.M. will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred for masses or family use.