Joe was a tool and die maker for 63 years, and he owned his own tool and die business, Alliance Tool & Design, in Marion for 36 years. He retired and sold the business in 2019. Joe was a 55-year member of Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion and served in several roles: vice-chairman of the board, trustee, and greeter. Joe also served on several short-term mission trips.
Joe enjoyed running. He completed 13 One America mini-marathons, numerous 5K competitions, and several Mighty Mississinewa Team Triathlons. He also enjoyed sailing, having built his first sailboat, and then owning a 21-ft. sailboat. Joe also built four homes in the Marion area and served as Wilma’s “Grandma’s Camp” right-hand for 17 years. Joe was an avid reader, especially of history.
Joe is survived by his wife, Wilma; children, Jeff A. (Cathy) Voght of Marion, IN, Karen R. (Tom) Zachary of Newnan, GA, Kathy J. (Joe) Wert of Marion, IN, and Cindy A. (Bob) Burchell of Marion, IN; thirteen grandchildren, Kyle (Nikki Cassidy) Warkentin, Stacci (Daniel) Nutty, Liz (Michael Short) Suzano, Cory Warkentin, Sean (Sally) Wert, Kevin (Erin) Warkentin, Joe (Haley) Voght, Robert (Amanda) Burchell, IV, Lauran (Brandon) Bussa, Erin (Josh) Sizemore, Sara Wert, Brad Burchell, and Keegan (Tayler) Zachary; fifteen great-grandchildren, Jayden Suzano, A.J. Suzano, Nio Suzano, Indie Voght, Finan Sizemore, Olivia Zachary, Maizy Wert, Marley Wert, August Wert, Joanna Wert, Robert “Wren” Burchell, V, Samuel Burchell, plus three soon coming great-grandchildren, Scarlette Jo Nutty, baby boy Bussa, and baby Burchell. Of special mention is brother-in-law, David (Rita) Faust.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Eileen.
A Celebration of Life funeral service for Joe is Monday, February 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN, with Rev. Robert Burchell, III, and Rev. Dr. Chris Williams presiding. Graveside committal will follow at Grant Memorial Park in Marion.
Visitation is from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm prior to the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakeview Wesleyan Church, 5316 S. Western Ave., Marion, IN 46953 or to World Gospel Mission, 3783 E. St. Rd. 18, Marion, IN 46952.
Special thanks are expressed by the family to the caregivers at Heart to Heart Hospice and Ailes Group Home Health Care for their excellent care and support.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joe, please visit our floral store.