Mr. Altho Joseph "Joe" Oberkirch

Altho Joseph Oberkirch, a Mobile native, passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2013. He was born on October 14, 1932, in the depths of the depression, at his Grandmother’s home in Oakdale. He attended St. Matthews and Little Flower Catholic Schools, graduating from McGill Institute in 1950. He worked for Luckenbach Gulf S/S Co. before being called to active duty in the Navy. After service in the Navy he attended Spring Hill College, graduating in 1958. While at Spring Hill he met and later married, in the College’s St. Joseph’s Chapel, his beloved wife, Marjorie “Tiny” O’Gwynn.

His career took him and his wife away from Mobile for over 30 years. He worked for the Air Force, NASA, and NOAA, retiring from The National Weather Service (NWS) in 1987. After retiring from NWS, he worked for The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and as a consultant with Winchester and Associates for about six years before final retirement to live in Orange Beach, AL, later returning to Mobile.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Susan Marie Smith (Bob/deceased) of Auburn, AL; son, Michael Joseph, wife, Debra and two granddaughters, Sara-Anne Marie and Katherine Lynn, of Naperville, IL; son, Mark David, wife Michele and granddaughter, Chloe Nicole, of The Woodlands, TX; and a daughter, Mary Ashley Davis, husband, SFC Brian, US Army, and two grandchildren, Chandler Len and Cailin Ashley, of Enterprise, AL. He is also survived by two brothers, Charles Fred (Betty, deceased) and Ollie Anthony Jr. (Betty), two sisters, Mary Frances Allenbach (Clyde, deceased)) and Nancy Lucile Rydzynski (Stan, deceased), all of Mobile and many much loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Ollie Anthony Oberkirch, Sr. and Frances Allen Oberkirch.

Joe was extremely appreciative of the outpouring of Prayers, visits, calls and cards received from his many friends. He asked that you continue to remember him in your prayers. He was also grateful for the support of Father James Zoghby, Father John Beaudreaux, Deacon Arthur Robbins, the Staff and fellow parishioners at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

On Tuesday, October 8, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, a Thanksgiving Rosary will be led by Father Zobhby at 3:30pm followed by a “Celebration of Life” Mass at 4:00. A memorial reception will follow in the Church atrium.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Doctor Thaddeus Beeker and Staff of the Southern Cancer Center at Providence Hospital and Dr. Frank Hall and his Staff at Family Associates for their professional and compassionate care of Joe during his illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Little Sisters of the Poor, 1655 McGill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36604.