Joseph F. Pleuler, Jr., 87

Joseph was born in Omaha, Nebraska on January 24, 1938, the son of Joseph and Margaret Pleuler. Joe was a true South Omaha boy, he graduated from Omaha South High School, attended and graduated from UNO and served in the United States Army and the Army Reserves. Joe married the love of his life Karen Lea Lenz on March 11, 1961. Joe worked as a Branch Manager for Black & Decker and later at Lozier Corporation as a Senior Inventory Controller until retirement in 2000.

Joe loved the outdoors and he shared that passion with his family. He loved hunting and fishing and those summer family vacations to South Dakota, Minnesota and the local farm ponds around Nebraska and Iowa. After Joe retired, he rekindled a love for woodworking and carpentry. He was always making bird houses, outdoor seasonal decorations and toys that he shared with his family and friends.

Joseph was also known as Papa Joe, he welcomed all of his children’s friends and their children to his home and considered them extended family, Papa Joe loved nothing more than big Sunday family dinners and celebrations at his cabin with his family and friends.

Papa Joe was called peacefully to his eternal home on February 1, 2025 leaving us to celebrate his life and love for us all. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Paul Pleuler.

Those left to cherish Papa Joe’s memory include his wife of 63 years, Karen Pleuler; children, Janice (Gordon) Fritsch, Elkhorn, NE, David (Jeanne) Pleuler, Oakland, NE, Dawn (Gary) Swanson, Mt. Ayr, IA, Annette (Jeff) Beetham, Omaha, NE, and Joan Pleuler, Omaha, NE

Papa Joe has been blessed with 18 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 3-great-great grandchildren, as well as many other dear relatives and friends.