Joe, 90, died Dec. 20, 2011, at LifeCare Center of Post Falls. Joe was born and raised in Renton, Wash.

He enlisted in the Navy in World War II. He served as a signal instructor at Farragut Naval Training Center and as a Signalman on the USS Caney in the Pacific. He attended the University of Idaho on the GI Bill, studying forestry.

After graduation he moved with his family to Sandpoint, where he worked for the Pack River Lumber Company and the McFarland Pole Company as a forester. He was a member and officer of the First Lutheran Church. He attended the LCMC Lutheran Church in Coeur d'Alene after moving there. He retired in 1986, but remained active in community service.

From the age of 18 until a few years before his death he was a volunteer fireman in Renton and Sandpoint, a member of the Kootenai County Fire Department Support Services, and Fire and EMS Commissioner for Kootenai County. Joe was also a talented artist and made beautiful carvings of Northwest Indian designs.

Joe was predeceased by his wife, Patricia; and his daughters, Frederica Ruth and Antonea Gilstad.

He is survived by his wife, Gerry; his brother, Homer; his son, Joe and wife Mariangelica; his daughter, Andrea Carlson and husband Mike Osborn; his daughter, Hildi Berard and husband David; his son-in-law, Larry Gilstad and wife Patricia; Connie Bro and husband David; Larry Neu and wife Colleen; Carol Wootan and husband Jerry, Gary Neu and wife Julie; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Joe was a strong and capable man, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and a friend whose kindness, steadfastness and service to the community will always be remembered.

A service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls.

Instead of flowers, mourners are requested to make any contributions to the LCMC Building Fund or the Kootenai County Fire Department.

English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls, is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign Joseph's guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.