In memory of

Joe D. Wadsley

October 11, 1950 - October 17, 2024
From: Early, IA
Joe D. Wadsley

Joe D. Wadsley

Born: October 11, 1950
Died: October 17, 2024
Age: 74
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   Joe David Wadsley, age 74 of Early, IA, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Loring Hospital in Sac City, IA. Joe was born on October 11, 1950, to parents Ivan and Dorothy (Walker) Wadsley in Sac City. He grew up on a farm outside of Early and attended Crestland School. He graduated high school in 1968 and then attended Westmar College in LeMars, IA, graduating in 1972 with a bachelor degree.
   On September 30, 1972, Joe married the love of his life, Julie Mae Coon, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early. They were blessed with two children, Karmen and Jason.
   Joe farmed alongside his father and eventually took over when his father retired. He also worked as a welder at Corn Belt Manufacturing in Early welding semi trailers. He was a past member and assistant chief of the Early Fire Department, was on the Co-op Board, and was a part of the Friday night chain gang for high school football games. He farmed up until the fall of 2023, when he made the decision that it was time to retire. He was very content & happy with his decision.
   Joe was a steady presence & loved in his community. He was a gentle, kind soul with a quiet sense of humor. He would make everyone he came into contact with smile. When he met someone new he made them feel they were a lifelong friend. He loved a good conversation. Joe loved to ski on snow and water and enjoyed family vacations to Colorado and Okoboji.
   He was a very involved parent & grandparent. He attended all of his kids’ activities and attended as many of his grandkids’ activities as he could. Joe was a hard worker, and worked hard for everything he had. He enjoyed his night caps & “coffee”. A walk across the street or taking a drive and stopping along the way to chat with friends was one of his favorite pastimes. He always had wise life advice. Joe loved his children dearly. Above all of this, his love for his wife was deep. He made her feel safe, he took care of her, maybe with a little grumbling, but you knew it was through love. He will be missed dearly by his family and all who knew and loved him.
   He is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Julie Wadsley of Early, IA; children Karmen Gruhn and Jason (Beth) Wadsley both of Belle Plaine, MN; grandchildren Trevor, Derek, and Tyler Gruhn, Landon and Owen Wadsley; sisters: Virginia Wadsley of Des Moines, IA, Barb (Gary) Willett of Jefferson, IA, Mary Wadsley of Belle Plaine, MN, Carol Wadsley of Storm Lake, IA; sisters-in-law: Janice Coon, Jean Wolfe, Vicki Coon, and Joleen Merten; brothers-in-law Jim (Bonnee) Coon and Jay Coon; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
   Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Dorothy Wadsley; parents-in-law Leonard and Genevieve Coon; brothers-in-law John Coon, Bill Wolfe, Bill Merten, and Jerry Coon; and sister-in-law Anita Coon.
 

 

Tribute Video
SERVICES
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m., Saturday
October 26, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Early, Iowa
VISITATION
5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday
7:00 p.m. Time of Sharing
October 25, 2024
Farber & Otteman Funeral Home
Sac City, Iowa
INTERMENT
Sacred Heart Cemetery
Early, Iowa

Condolences

Monday, November 4, 2024 at 9:26 AM
“The Kowalke Family sends their condolences to Joe's Family. ”
- Carmen (Kowalke) Dorman
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 11:36 AM
“Julie and family, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you!”
- Sharon Browning
Monday, October 28, 2024 at 3:31 PM
“Sending hugs to your family. Joe always made you feel like you were special and he was delighted to see you. What a wonderful quality that his kids have also inherited. We are thinking of all of you and praying for you. Love to Julie, Karmen, Jason and family. The Swanson family”
- Jill Swanson
Monday, October 28, 2024 at 3:31 PM
“So sorry to hear of your loss, Julie.. keeping you and all you family in prayers ”
- Cindy Williams
Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 1:40 PM
“I never saw Joe without a smile. At Crossroads day this summer, Joe came over to talk with some of us from the class of 1969. Had a great visit. He was always have a story to tell of our times in high school. Will miss him. Our prayers are with you. Julie and family. God Bless.”
- Vince and Sue Davis
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 6:02 PM
“Julie, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”
- Tom Faber
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 10:11 AM
“Julie and Family, may all your memories of Joe be happy and peaceful. You're in my thoughts as I remember all the kindness given to our parents, Ray & Judy Nellis. ”
- Beth Nellis Goodvin
Monday, October 21, 2024 at 10:05 AM
“We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We hope your memories and your faith will comfort you now & in times to come. ”
- Eric & Katie Gunkelman
Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 10:50 PM
“Julie and family, I am so sorry for your loss! I first met Joe on our BASC Ride years ago, he was a great guy having a fun time. I'm glad I met him. You have my sympathy and prayers. ”
- Sandi Huster
Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 8:05 AM
“Our condolences to Julie, Karmen, Jason and the rest of Joe's family and friends. Both Julia and I loved Joe's gentle, kind soul and his quiet sense of humor. We'll miss him and we're thinking of you at this difficult time.”
- Don & Julia Mason
Friday, October 18, 2024 at 12:01 PM
“We are so saddened to hear of Joe's passing. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers. He was a great man ”
- Larry and Sue Grieme
Friday, October 18, 2024 at 9:34 AM
“Our hearts are broken to hear of Joes passing. He was always such a nice and caring person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Wadsley family. ”
- John & Peggy Monson
Friday, October 18, 2024 at 9:34 AM
“Julie & Kids- I am deeply sorry and sad to hear of Joe's passing. There wasn't a day I seen him that he didn't make me smile. He was such an amazing man and he had a contagious smile. I will be keeping you all in my prayers in the days to come. ”
- Tim & Crystal Langner
Friday, October 18, 2024 at 9:34 AM
“Julie you have our deepest sympathy, Joe was a great guy and a lot of fun. May he rest in peace.”
- Nolan & Mari Kreft
Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 9:00 PM
“We are so saddened to hear about Joe's passing. Our deepest sympathys goes out to Julie. We are so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can make this better, but I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that you are surrounded by people who care deeply for you.”
- Aaron & Lexi Wallace
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