Joe Stammeyer, Sr.

Joseph C. Stammeyer, Sr., 80, of Waukon, IA, passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his children. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, February 10th, at 1:00 PM at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon. Burial of ashes will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call from 11:30 AM until the time of services on Wednesday at the funeral home. In consideration of concerns regarding Covid-19, social distancing and wearing of masks is encouraged.

Joseph Carl Stammeyer, Sr. was born on October 24, 1940, to Peter and Magdalena (Klemmer) Stammeyer. Joe grew up on a farm in St. Lucas, Iowa, attending school at the St. Lucas grade school. Joe joined the Army as a young man, serving abroad as a mechanic in Germany and Turkey. Upon returning home, Joe took up work at Deco Products Co., where he met the love of his life, Carol Ehde. Joe and Carol were married on April 20, 1968. Joe took up farming on Carol's family farm, raising pigs and cattle. Carol's love was horses and Joe made that dream happen, raising paint and quarter horses for many years. While he would never be the first to admit it, he loved his animals. Everyone always got an extra scoop of feed, no matter if it was a cat or a cow.

Joe and Carol had three children: Joey, Lacey, and Ross, who gave him nine grandchildren. Making his grandchildren smile brought Joe the most joy in life. Joe always had treats in his pocket and sweets in his cupboard, just in case he ran into one of his favorite kids. Watching his oldest granddaughter graduate high school, his oldest grandson become a world champion saddle bronc rider, taking 4-wheeler rides, looking at books, and enjoying artwork of his grandkids brought Joe immeasurable pride. Joe enjoyed playing softball, feeding and watching the birds on the lawn, finding mushrooms in the spring, and driving tractor.

Joe left this world with a legacy of hard work, determination, and a good deal of German stubbornness. He was a man of few words that came with deep impact. He shared his love in a very quiet way, but his love was great.

Joe is survived by his three children: Joseph Jr (Jennie) Stammeyer of Onalaska, WI, and Lacey (Daric) Steiber and Ross (Leah) Stammeyer, both of Waukon. Nine grandchildren: Makenzie, Micah, Alaynie, and Novaleigh Stammeyer, Colton and Sutton Steiber, and Josiah, Charlotte, and Eli Stammeyer; brothers: Frank Stammeyer and David (Jackie) Stammeyer; sister Anita Herold; sister-in-law Cindy Stammeyer; and many nieces and nephews.

Joe is preceded in death by his beloved wife Carol in 2010; parents Peter & Magdalena Stammeyer; brothers: Leander, Donald, Richard, Florian, and Peter; sisters: Margaret, Irene, and Marie; and in-laws: Cletus Herold, Jim Riffle, Bill Schaufenbuel, Rose, Lou, Margarete, and Marian.

Honorary casketbearers are Joe's grandchildren.