Chesterfield Loses Its Chamber of Commerce President Joan Schmelig, 70

Carol Joan Schmelig, longtime president of Chesterfield (MO) Chamber of Commerce, died early Saturday after a struggle with cancer.

Schmelig, 70, was named the city's Citizen of the Year in 2010, and was frequently described as Chesterfield's First Lady. Most knew her affectionately as "Joanie."

Throughout her tenure with the city's , Schmelig came to know hundreds of people. According to family, her humanitarianism touched those she met.

According to an obituary on Schraeder Funeral Home and Crematory website, Schmelig graduated from Maplewood High School. She played a "mean game of softball" and later coached her daughter's softball team to victory. 

Schmelig, a resident, evidently liked to cook and host great gatherings. She loved the Christmas holidays, fishing with her husband of 49 years Richard Schmelig, and spending time on Florida's Gulf Shores.

Besides her husband, Schmelig is survived by her children Greg and Cindy, five grandchildren, mother Hilda Meyer, two sisters, and many other family members.

Visitation at Schraeder's is Tues., Aug. 9, 11am-9pm, 14960 Manchester Rd. in Ballwin 63011. Phone: 636-227-5511

Funeral services are Wed., Aug. 10, 10am at St. Louis Family Church, 17458 Chesterfield Airport Rd., Chesterfield, 63005. Phone:636-532-3446

Burial is private.