Joseph “Joe” Emil Schweitz made heaven his home on Thursday, October 26, 2023. His passing was peaceful, and he will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Joe had a gentle spirit, sweet disposition, and a winning smile. Everyone he met enjoyed being around him.
Joe was born in Portland on June 22, 1942, and grew up with his brothers Arlen & Earl in West Linn, graduating from West Linn High School in 1960. After high school, he attended Life Bible College in California where he met and married Evelyn Orrilla Lund. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology, but rather than going into ministry, he joined the United States Army. During most of his time in the service, he was stationed in Germany, on the German border. He had many duties, but his most important was to guard the ammunition and bomb held at the base. Shortly after he separated from the military, Joe and Orrilla welcomed their son Josh and built a home together until Orrilla’s passing in 1990.
After his time in the military, Joe worked for KPDQ. In 1970, he began working for TRI-MET as a bus driver and after a decade, transferred to the scheduling department. Joe was instrumental in writing the new MAX schedules and eventually became the lead scheduler. It was at TRI-MET where he met his wife, Louise, who worked in the payroll department. Joe had occasion to need payroll assistance and Louise was one of the people to help him. They married at the Rhododendron Garden in Portland in 1995. Joe lovingly welcomed Louise’s three kids (adults by this time) into his family together with his son Josh. Joe retired from TRI-MET in 2004.
Joe enjoyed spending time with family. He and Louise traveled to many locations together and always made it a priority to visit any family members in the areas where they traveled. Family vacations were special times that included his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and sometimes in-laws. On one such trip (cruise) Joe received an award for the best knobby knees, sexy legs. He accepted his award joyfully and gave everyone his winning smile. Other memorable trips with the family included Gleneden Beach, Long Beach, Lake Tahoe, Maui, and Eagle Crest.
Joe leaves behind his wife of 28 years, Louise, his son Josh (daughter-in-law Stacy), his daughters Deanna (spouse Greg) and Laura, his son Stephen (spouse Amy), his brother Earl (spouse Holly), his grandchildren Mandy, Krista, Kellen, Jason and Nathanael “Nate”, his step-grandchildren Matt and Blake, his niece Joy, his nephews Adam and Eric, his great-grandchildren Sadie, Hazel and Mila, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Emil, mother Kathleen, brother Arlen, and his first wife Orrilla.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5