Joseph Conrad Schwabe

Joseph “Joe” Conrad Schwabe, loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on June 25, 2024, at Beehive Assisted Living in Grand Junction, Colorado due to complications from dementia. He was 70 years old. Before he moved to Grand Junction in 2023, he lived in Aurora, Colorado for more than 40 years.

He is survived by his four children: Sarah Gray (Taylor) of Grand Junction, Colorado, Jennifer Armendariz (JT) of Grand Junction, Colorado, Joseph Schwabe (Nayara) of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and Megan Schwabe of Denver, Colorado. He also leaves behind four beautiful grandchildren: Isabelle, Abigail, Jax, and Jacey. He is survived by three siblings, Donna Hoelscher, Jim Schwabe (Kris), and Jean Schultz, sisters-in-law Margaret and Sheri Schwabe, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Joe was born on February 27, 1954, in Carroll, Iowa to parents Joseph and Ruth (Conrad) Schwabe. He was the youngest of seven siblings. He grew up in Breda, Iowa where he attended grade school and high school at St. Bernard’s, graduating in 1972. Growing up, he was a dedicated athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball. He attended Wayne State College in Nebraska.

He married Sharon Johanns on May 8, 1982, in Ames, Iowa. The couple made their home in Aurora, Colorado where they were blessed with their four children. Joe worked as an electrician for more than 30 years before retiring.

His children were the center of his life. He was always cheering them on at countless games and performances, coaching their teams, and pushing them to be the best they could be. He was an incredibly hard worker, modeling to his children the importance of a strong work ethic. Joe was an avid sports fan, relentlessly cheering on the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Buffaloes, Mesa State Mavericks, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Iowa State Cyclones. He also enjoyed golfing. Most of all, his favorite role was being a grandpa. He cherished his time with his grandkids.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Richard and Jerry Schwabe, sister Nancy Geier, as well as brothers-in-law Byron Schultz, Richard Hoelscher, and Orville Geier, and nephews, Rob Geier, Tony Hoelscher and Casey Schultz.

Joe was a loving, genuine, and hardworking man of integrity. A man who will continue to be deeply loved and missed. His legacy is profound and everlasting, and our memories of him will live on. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Martin Mortuary in Grand Junction, Colorado. Reception to follow.