March 29, 2024

Joseph 'Joe' Jerome Lenger

Joseph “Joe” Jerome Lenger, 71, of Albia died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Joe was born Jan. 2, 1942, to Albert and Kathryn (Flahive) Lenger, at home east of Bussey. He grew up and attended school in Hamilton. After school, Joe worked in the plumbing and heating business before serving his country in the United States Army as a transport driver in Vietnam. After returning from the service, Joe worked at Maytag until retiring in 1992. He also farmed throughout his adult life.

Joe was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the American Legion and Knights of Columbus Council No. 4167, all of Albia. He enjoyed farming with his brother Jim. He was a great story teller and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and visiting with the guys at the Legion. Joe also enjoyed watching westerns and watching The Price is Right.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (Eddie) Jones of Newton; four grandchildren, Michael, Taylor, Isaac and Rylee; a brother, James (Nancy) Lenger of Bussey; and two sisters, Theresa Lenger of North Liberty and Marge (John) Comer of Norwalk. Joe is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Kathryn; four brothers John, Ed, Daniel and David Lenger; and one sister, Pauline Conway.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Fr. Michael E. Volkmer, C.PP.S. officiating.  Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lovilia with military rites provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia and Melrose.

Visitation will open to the public at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Joe’s family present from 5 to 8 p.m. A rosary will be at 6 p.m., led by Joe’s sister Marge and John Comer Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

A memorial has been established to St. Peter’s Church in Lovilia or to St. Mary’s Church in Albia.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.tharpfh.com.