Joan Barbara Fellmy Kirchner Marx

She was the daughter of Harold and Katherine Fellmy, and she was the oldest of their three children. Joan was born on February 17, 1937 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Joan graduated from Mercy Academy (then Academy of Our Lady of Mercy) in 1955. She later attended Spalding University where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Advanced studies and degrees in Special Education and Guidance and Counseling followed from the University of Louisville. She had a zest for learning via reading and traveling. Joan taught for 30 years in the JCPS, including at Blake, Laukhuf, Watterson, Zachary Taylor, and Rangeland Elementary Schools. She was a member of the Jefferson County Teachers Association, KY Education Association, National Education Association, and the Order of Kentucky Colonels.

She was a devoted animal lover.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; a nephew, Brian Fellmy; her brother Kenneth; her first husband and the father of her children, Charles Kirchner; and her husband Allan Marx.

Survivors left to love and cherish her memory are her children, Mary Kirchner, David Kirchner (Jan), and Mark Kirchner; grandchildren April Mullen (Aaron), Casey Kirchner Elwell (Kyle), Julia Kirchner, Jason, Kyle (Maranda), and Brent Whitlock; and her nephews, Michael Fellmy, Steven Fellmy, and Ralph Fellmy.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM, at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville KY 40218. A funeral service in Joan's honor will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM, with interment to follow in Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make a memorial gift to P.E.T.A. (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), P.O. Box 42516, Washington, DC 20015, or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.