Joe grew up in Alton, IL, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II, fighting in Germany against Hitler’s troops and the Waffen SS. He was wounded on Feb. 26, 1944, and was evacuated to a Paris hospital for recuperation. He later returned to his unit and then returned home. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Joe worked as a mold maker at Owens-Illinois and began wood carving after a visit to Silver Dollar City. He became an accomplished carver, instructor and judge. He taught classes throughout the country including the Woodcarving Rendezvous and Doane College, and at his home studio. He and his wife Kay created a line of Christmas heirloom ornaments, adding new designs each year and selling thousands of ornaments at the National Crafts Festival in Silver Dollar City.

The idea for “Carving the CCA Circus” originated with Joe. The draft proposal and mock-ups were presented to the membership at the 1995 CCA meeting in Alburquerque NM. Once approved by the membership, Randy Landen, Tom Brown and Joe built the platform and sewed the tent at Joe and Kay’s studio at their home in Godfrey, IL.

Both Joe and Kay were talented carvers, and Kay was also a superb painter. They were active in the Belville and Dayton clubs as well as the CCA. Joe was a member of the Board for the International Woodcarvers Congress in Davenport (and later Maquoketa) for several years. Joe had the unique ability to carve a caricature in someone’s likeness, leaving no doubt as to who it was. His carving of Bill Clinton is a perfect example. Joe and Kay also acquired pieces from the carvers they admired and held a substantial collection of carvings, including many from CCA members.

Joe passed away on July 24, 2007, at his home.