Joe Roediger passsed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends in San Jose, CA after a long battle with cancer.
As a young man, he bravely defended our country during WWII as a member of the U.S. Marines 2nd Division. From 1942-1944, he fought on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian.
He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
After returning home from the war, he worked as a Deputy Sheriff for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and later worked at Lockeheed Missiles and Space Company where he retired at the age of 65.
Joe was a founding member of Advent Lutheran Church in Morgan Hill and dedicated himself to God and the church, holding several leadership positions.
In retirement, he served on the board of directors for the Pajaro Valley Water Mgmnt. Agency. He also served on two consecutive sessions of the San Benito County Grand Jury.
He was very active in the Watsonville Community Hospital Service League where he volunteered over 14,000 hours of his time.
He was the first male president of the Service League and and active member on the board of directors for the Service League and Central Coast Counties Council.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Janice Roediger of Aromas, CA, his five children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters, first wife and a black lab named Jake.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to either the Watsonville Community Hospital Service League at 75 Nielson Street, Watsonville, CA 95076) or Advent Lutheran Church 16870 Murphy Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037. Memorial Services to be held at Advent Lutheran Church in Morgan Hill on Sunday 01/11/09 at 1:30 P.M.
