Joanie Olivia Baclesse

Joanie Olivia Baclesse, age 84, of Linn, passed away on August 17, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis. Joanie spent her last moments with those she cherished most by her side.

She was born to the late Bernard and Zelda (Clark) Prince in St. Louis on July 9, 1941. She received her elementary, junior high and part of her high school education in St. Louis. Joanie counted down the minutes until she could leave the city and return to the family farm in Linn on weekends and during the summer, but getting to move to the farm was a dream come true for Joanie. She was part of the graduating class of 1959 at Linn High School. Joanie’s home was on the farm – first with her parents and then her husband until his death, and most recently next door to her son, until moving to assisted living at Harbor Place in Linn in 2023. Joanie looked forward to returning to her farm every chance she had.

Joanie was united in marriage to the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Artie Baclesse on October 17, 1959, in Linn. He preceded her in death on February 16, 2006. Joanie would tell you she missed him every single day. Her husband Artie gave her an eternity necklace the day before he passed. For over 19 years, she wore it every single day.

Joanie and Artie owned and operated A&J Right Way Meat Service in Linn for several years. Just like they did life, they worked side by side at their business providing butchering, processing and meat sales. Joanie worked at Mosby Times Mirror in Linn, as a Distribution Manager Specialist until her retirement in 1997. Retirement didn’t work for Joanie, so for the next 20 years, she worked at a variety of places including the Departments of Social Services and Transportation, the State Tech Activity Center and the Linn License Fee Office. Joanie was a charter member and on the Board of Directors for the Osage Trail Riders in Linn.

To know Joanie was to love her. She had a giant heart and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She got to see a lot of the United States through work and leisure travel with family over the past several years. Joanie had a love for all animals and will be sadly missed by her canine baby, Rosie. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinal, Kansas City Chiefs, and PBR fan. She was a proud Republican. In her last moments, Joanie was able to remember the exact date and her president, Donald J. Trump.

During her time at Harbor Place, Joanie always looked forward to playing BINGO on her lucky card, putting puzzles together, playing games and visiting with everyone young and old. She was proud to share how much she loved her time at Harbor Place and was recently featured with her family in a commercial. Her laughter and smile that could light up a room will always be remembered and cherished.

Joanie is survived by her devoted son, Kevin Baclesse of Linn, granddaughter, Sasha (Jason) Gove and great-granddaughter, Olivia Martin all of Linn, a sister, June (James) Wolfe of Linn and a daughter, Kim of Redbird.

In addition to her parents and spouse of 46 years, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Jim Chrisman.

Joanie was laid to eternal rest next to her husband in a private graveside service in Linn Public Cemetery with Michael Bonham officiating.