passed away peacefully at his home on February 24, 2026.
Born on May 21, 1944, in Limon, Colorado, to Martha Hugley, Joe grew up with a deep appreciation for learning and the values of hard work and service. A graduate of Pine Bluffs High School, Joe went on to earn his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Chadron State College, followed by an Education Specialist Degree from the University of Wyoming. His career began in Bushnell, Nebraska, and continued for thirty-nine years in the Scottsbluff Public Schools, where he served as a teacher, administrator, and coach. He later spent five years with the Wyoming Department of Education, extending his impact on students and educators across the region.
Joe believed deeply in service beyond the classroom. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, a dedicated participant in the Scottsbluff United Methodist Church, and a supporter of Habitat for Humanity, giving his time and talents to help strengthen the communities he loved.
Joe married Patricia (''Pat'') Joan Krueger on November 23, 1967, and together they raised three children - Kimberly, Kristine, and Kyle - until Pat's passing in 1997. In 2001, Joe married Joy Mockelmann, and the two shared a love of traveling and exploring new places together.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother Martha, his first wife Pat, his brother Charles, and his sisters Elizabeth (''Betty'') Baker and Kay Clark. He is survived by his wife Joy; his children Kimberly (Sean) Hudelson, Kristine (Kevin) Dunham, and Kyle (Kim) Baker; Joy's children Ric (Dee) Smith and Jenna (Greg) Norton; his brothers Jack and Bill; his sister Charlotte Gregory; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Joe will be remembered for his gentle steadiness, his devotion to education, and the love he poured into his family. His legacy lives on in the classrooms he shaped, the colleagues he supported, and the generations of students who carry forward the lessons he quietly instilled.
Memorials are suggested to Brighton Church of Christ, 1929 E Egbert St, Brighton, CO 80601 or the donor's choice.
The memorial service will be at 10:30am Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. The family will receive friends at the funeral home at 9am prior to the service. Interment will take place at the Pine Bluffs Cemetery at a future date in a private family service.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(4)
Vicky Norton and Mary Hudgins
Lewisville, TX Thursday, March 5, 2026 Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joe's family. He was a lovely, gentle man who will be missed.Marsha Green
Scottsbluff, NE Monday, March 2, 2026 I worked with Joe when teaching and later literacy coaching for many years in Scottsbluff. He was one of the kindest men I know. He always made decisions to support children, He respected others opinions. I appreciated his sense of humor. He loved his family very much.Nathan Balasubramanian
Leander, TX Friday, February 27, 2026 Joe’s gentle steadiness and devotion to education leave a legacy that will endure in every life he touched. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known him. My deepest sympathy to Joy and the entire family.Susan (Cogdill) Vollbrecht
Lander, WY Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Sending love and prayers to your entire family….