Joe was born to Sydney and John Garmatz on December 16th, 1955, in Denver, Colorado. He was baptized, educated, and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church and School. He graduated from Denver Lutheran High School in 1974 and continued his education at Fort Lewis College. While in college he played football, studied Business Administration, and participated in the community by organizing concerts, events, and holding a job at the local radio station. Joe married the love of his life, Jodi Garmatz on August 8th, 1981. Together they started a loving family.
Those who knew Joe would describe him as: loyal, fun, loving, nurturing, passionate, kind, thoughtful, energetic, hardworking, open minded, forgiving, charismatic, and funny.
Joe loved to coach, to officiate, to watch his favorite teams, to be grandpa, and to travel to his favorite fishing holes with his friends, family, and dogs. He spent countless hours officiating, coordinating, and assigning officials for high school basketball. He cherished conversations with fellow officials, assignors, and administrators. His highlight was officiating alongside Johnny and Ty.
He started coaching his children from the time they began playing sports. He continued coaching a variety of teams that include the Heat, the Bobcats, the Lights, the Mirage, the Eagles, and his granddaughter Grace’s softball team.
In 1965 he began his passion of watching sports by purchasing season tickets for the Denver Broncos. On Saturday mornings you would find him watching college game day and planning his day around watching his favorite teams. This would include football, baseball, golf, hockey, and basketball.
The camping season started in December reserving camping spots and making plans for the summer. While camping he enjoyed relaxing at the campsite, chatting with his favorite camping buddies, rigging up his fishing rod and picking the lucky fly. He always found time for an afternoon nap.
Joe would say his greatest accomplishment was his family. Watching and attending every sporting event, performance and activity of his children and grandchildren gave him much joy. He was proud of the fact that he was raised with the love of Jesus and instilled this faith in his family. He loved and was loved unconditionally.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jodi Garmatz, children Katie Garmatz, Alyson and Ty Gordon, and Johnny Garmatz, grandchildren Luke and Grace Gordon. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Sydney and John Garmatz and his brother Jimmy Garmatz. Joe did so much to better everything he touched. He will be missed.
Memorial donations in Joe’s name can be directed to any of the following:
Colorado Parks and Wildlife cpw.state.co.us
Bethlehem Lutheran School bethlehemdenver.com (school general)
Zion Lutheran School zionbrighton.org (memorial)
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