Obituary: Pence, Sr., Joseph E
Age 80
2 Timothy 4:7 Dad, you are our hero.
Joe passed into his next life in the early hours of January 1, 2013 surrounded by his family in his home in Spokane.
May we all come through with your unwavering faith, dignity and courage.
Dad loved life and lived it with intention and passion.
He took us all with him on his many amazing adventures; he was a very young eighty years old.
Your priceless memories will be in our hearts forever.
Joe’s sense of generosity and kindness is legendary in our community and matched by no one.
He truly gave without any thought of payback.
Dad was born in Michigan, grew up in Wisconsin, one of nine children born to Harry and Madelyn Pence.
He moved throughout the mid-west until he found the love of his life, Dee, who he married in South Dakota.
Both Joe and Dolores have one of the strongest work ethics and relentless “can do” attitudes, strangers to none and a couple who opened their home to family and many friends throughout the years.
They moved from South Dakota where they raised their children in Southern California until their final home in Spokane, Washington where their youngest son, Joe Jr. was born.
Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit lead him to a career in art, sign painting, and private business.
He was a rare individual of many talents and a master at them all; willing to help anyone and everyone who came across his path.
He was the “favorite” person of many.
Joe was a devout Catholic who loved his church dearly and had a special relationship with Jesus Christ and the Blessed Mother.
Joseph, you were named after St. Joseph, the patron saint of family.
Know that your name could not have prophesized a truer calling; your family was your treasure.
Dad leaves behind his wife of over sixty years Dolores, his four children, Janet (Lance), Sandee (Bill), Laura (Tom), Joe (Marie), nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Numerous nieces and nephews who loved “Uncle Joe.”
Surviving siblings include: Ray, John, Pat, Aggie, Alice and Winnie; Benny and Mary have preceded him in death.
Dad, your life continues to reflect the light of Christ.
May we cherish your spiritual example and pay it forward until we all meet again.
We love you to the moon and back -God speed—— pops.
A rosary will be held on Friday January 4, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Charles.
A celebratory memorial service will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Church followed by a reception at the church.