Joseph Schlosser

Joseph A. Schlosser, 82, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 10, 1942, in Randles to August John and Lizzie Menz Schlosser. He and Patricia Waldmann were married on Aug. 31, 1979, in Cape Girardeau.

After graduating from Oran High School in 1960, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years as a radioman in New Orleans. He was honorably discharged from the Navy and promptly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served an additional four years with a deployment to Japan, during which time he worked as a radio operator during the USS Pueblo incident. Joe was honorably discharged in February 1970.

Returning to the area, he began a 29-year career at Procter & Gamble, where he met Patricia. They began a 45-year journey together and had two incredible daughters along the way.

Joe was a member of VFW Post No. 3838 and a true animal lover, adopting many animals over the years with his dog, Bonnie, being his favorite. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed bass fishing and sitting by his fire pit. Most recently, he most enjoyed sitting on his deck, talking with his friends and sharing pickled eggs. Joe's final act of kindness was to be a donor for the Mid-America Transplant Foundation.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Pat Schlosser; his two daughters, Jennifer Ann Schlosser of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Christine Lynn Schlosser of Kansas City; his nieces, Martha Ann Runnels of Scott City and Donna Eggimann of Jackson; and his nephews, Michael (Andrea) Wendel and Kenneth James of Jackson, Troy Slinkard of Spring, Texas, and Billy Joe Slinkard of Gate City, Virginia; as well as several great-nieces and -nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his sisters, Elizabeth Slinkard and Juanita Wendel.

A visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

A family graveside service, with full military honors, will follow at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Friend Hill Cemetery in Oran.

Donations in Joe’s name may be made to Safe Harbor Animal Shelter, 359 Cree Lane, Jackson, MO 63755.

Southeast Missourian