He worked over 40 years at Valmont Industries before retiring in 1997. He married Bonnie Henry in 1958, and they had three children, David, Kim, and Cindy. He had been a member of the Fremont Volunteer Fire Department, the Fremont Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 200, and the Fremont Board of Public Works
In retirement he enjoyed working in his shop with stained glass, doing woodworking projects, and small engine mechanical repairs. Always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, it has been said Joe was like having an angel in the neighborhood.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his son. Survivors include his wife Bonnie, daughter Kim Ogden and her husband Tom, daughter Cindy Riley and her fiancé Eric Warner, seven grandchildren, brother Dr. Dennis Strauss, and sisters Joan Margrave and Delores Gustafson, and many extended family members. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family expresses it's sincere appreciation to the physicians and staff at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center in Omaha and to all of those associated with the outstanding home health care provided by Fremont Area Medical Center Hospice.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Wednesday at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont with the Rev. Scott Jensen, Chaplain at FAMC, officiating. Visitation at the mortuary will be from 2 to 8 PM on Tuesday, with the family present from 6:30 to 8 PM. Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gene Broderson, Randy Mendlik, Tim Krings, Sam Denoyer, Richard Vasina, and Bob Ward. Honorary pallbearers are Charlie Schneider, Mark Gude, Brian Johnson, Donnie Rice, and Lowell Henggeler.
A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(7)
JoDee & Bruce Cate
Hooper, NE Monday, April 6, 2009 Bonnie-Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Joe will be missed by many people. Thinking of you at this difficult time. JoDee & BruceMaribeth Losee
Fremont, NE Monday, April 6, 2009 Bonnie, My sympathy to you and your family. Joe was great help to many people and he will be missed.Debbie Vasina Blum
Omaha, NE Monday, April 6, 2009 To Bonnie and Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you! Please know that if you need anything to let us know. Take Care, Virgil, Debbie and Christina Blum Richard Vasina, Rick VasinaCindy
Elkhorn, Ne Tuesday, April 7, 2009 Bonnie, Doc will be missed by many here in Elkhorn. Just know that you now even have a bigger ANGEL looking over you & your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dave & Cindy Harm (Mrytle)DUANE PROROK
VALLEY, NE Tuesday, April 7, 2009 JOE WAS A VERY FINE CO-WORKER FOR MANY YEARS. WE WORKED ON A LOT OF PROJECTS TOGETHER. HE WAS A GREAT PROBLEM SOLVER AND A VERY GOOD RESOURCE FOR ME. WE ALWAYS GOT ALONG AND HAD SOME FUN ALONG THE WAY TOO!John Foley
Chelsea, AL Tuesday, April 7, 2009 I worked with Joe for many years and enjoyed every minute. I regret that I lost contact when I moved from Valley to pursue other opportunities. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Joe's family. May god bless you all.Darrell Hultgren
Fremont, Ne Wednesday, April 8, 2009 I started in 1971 working with Joe and worked with him for 25 yrs. at Valmont. He was like a mentor to me when I first started. He was a very wise and trusted friend and will be greatly missed by me and many others.