Joseph Austin "Joe" Stimmel

Joseph Austin (Joe) Stimmel passed away peacefully on Sunday Oct 23 at home with his wife of 63 years, Sarah. Joe was a long time resident of Raleigh but was born in 1925 and grew up on a farm in Columbus, Ohio. Joe attended Ohio State University until WWII interrupted his studies and he volunteered to serve his country in the US Navy. He was stationed on the USS Clay in the Pacific and performed bravely as he directed and operated from a landing craft (LCC) that saw numerous actions throughout the region as they landed fighting Marines on the beaches. Joe returned home after the war and became one of the youngest members to join the Nationwide Insurance team and spent 37 years serving and growing in management responsibilities at this fine company. After his long career at Nationwide he studied to become a Real Estate Broker and worked in this second career for over 9 years.

The accomplishment he was most proud of was his 3 children. Joe and Sarah both worked hard and dedicated all their time and resources to raise Patti, Brad, and Jim. Joe’s steadfast passion to provide a stable and successful home environment was his most prized accomplishment. He moved his family to Raleigh in 1964 to begin what resulted in 3 more successful families in the Raleigh area. Patti married a local boy, Wayne Young, while Brad and Jim wed their high school sweethearts. Brad married Susan Gulledge and Jim married Patty Howe. Joe was so proud to have led his family to a place where his children could find love and success. He was truly a blessed man.

Joe not only served his country proudly in WWII but he continued his service to the community by volunteering at his church and many service clubs and boards that he served on.

Joe is survived by his wife Sarah Stimmel, daughter Patti Young, and sons Brad Stimmel and Jim Stimmel. He had seven grandchildren: Erin Hautop, Allison Bingham, Brent Stimmel, Lee Stimmel, Libby Stimmel, Anna Stimmel, and Justin Stimmel. And, additionally, Joe celebrated the arrival of six great grandchildren.

Joe planned family trips to the beach so that the kids and grandkids could vacation together. He liked camping at Lake Gaston and enjoyed participating in campfires, dancing, sing alongs, boating, and games. He participated and encouraged picnics at the park and traveled extensively to visit family and friends. Holiday times were always a special blessing to him. He enjoyed all the times of joy and humor that brought a twinkle in his blue eyes. Family meant everything to Joe. He most enjoyed his time with them all as well as talking to others about them.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 7:00 – 9:00pm, at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will follow the service at Raleigh Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Memorial donations can be made to the Hospice of Wake County, www.hospiceofwake.org or the charity of choice.

Condolences and special memories can be shared with the family at www.MitchellatRMP.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC.