Joseph D. Mentzer, 85, passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at home in the company of his family.
Joe was born in Missouri Valley, to James and Gertrude Mentzer on Sept. 24, 1939. Joe was the youngest of eight children. He was raised in Missouri Valley, where he attended elementary and high school, graduating as part of the Class of 1958.
After graduation, Joe proudly joined the United States Navy, serving four years. During that time Joe toured the Philippines, Japan, Guam, and China. He was proudly honored as “Navy Man of the Month.” Joe returned to Missouri Valley after his service in 1963, to help his mother and begin the next chapter in his life.
At that time, he began a 25-year career at Blue Star Foods as a Plant Manager. Joe changed fields and began working for the Iowa Department of Transportation until retirement. In his free time, Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, softball, card club, and bowling. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eagles, VFW and the American Legion.
Throughout his life, family was a priority. He married his love and best friend, Marilyn (Thomas) Mentzer, on Dec. 29, 1963. They were blessed with over 60 happy years and two children, Marilyn Joann Mentzer and Scott Joesph Mentzer. Joe was an avid cribbage player and enjoyed playing cards with his brothers on Saturday morning, in addition to Marilyn and him playing daily games of cribbage at the kitchen table. Marilyn and Joe enjoyed traveling in their younger years all over the United States of America. Joe enjoyed nature and could be regularly seen enjoying the view from the front porch. He would feed squirrels, birds and deer daily.
Joe’s five grandchildren have been a big part of his life. He has enjoyed ball games, taxi services, sharing treats, playing catch, games and long conversations with each of them. He was their mentor, confidant and advisor. He loved and was loved.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn; children, Mari Jo (Brad) Mentzer-Doyle and Scott (Tracey) Mentzer; five grandchildren, Kayla (Sam) Friehe, Arthur Wisecup, Caitlyn (Brandon) Crom, Morgan (Drake) Cohrs, and Delaney Mentzer (Dustin Peasley); four great-grandchildren, Brantley, Connor, and Landon Friehe, and Kalia Cohrs; his sister, Esther Nichols; extended family and many lifelong friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bud Mentzer, Charles Mentzer, James Mentzer, Robert Mentzer; and sisters, Evelyn Hart, Dorthy John, and Gertrude Nichols.
Services were conducted on Nov. 1, 2024.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home. Online Condolences, www.hennesseyonline.com.
