Obituary of Joseph B. Lamers

Joseph B. Lamers, 71, of Satellite Beach, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 26, 2011. Joe was born in Kaukauna, Wisconsin on June 3, 1939 to Bernard and Cecelia Lamers, the youngest of eight children. A graduate of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, he married fellow graduate and love of his life, Helen, in 1962 and joined the United States Air Force. After 22 years of distinguished, honorable service as an Intelligence Officer, he retired a Lieutenant Colonel in 1984. A Vietnam veteran, his awards included the Bronze Star Medal, six Meritorious Service Medals and numerous other Air Force Commendation and Service Medals for superior service. After moving to Satellite Beach, Joe worked for Harris Corporation for 10 years as a Systems Engineer and then transitioned to Brevard County to serve as Communications Manager for another 11 years before he retired in 2006. In 2005, Joe was honored by Lawrence University Alumni and inducted into their Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame for his significant football, basketball, track and field accomplishments, including Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American Football honors and recipient of the Won Iden Charles Champion Cup. A great man of faith, Joe joyfully served others through his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as an active member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community. He was a leader in the Christ Renews His Parish Retreat for over 15 years, served as Men's Group President, Scripture Study leader and facilitator, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served on the Holy Name of Jesus Stewardship Committee. Joe is survived by his wife of 49 years, Helen; children: Jeff Lamers, Jeannie (and Barry) Lewin, Julie (and Dale) Cook, and John (and Heather) Lamers; brother, Clarence (and Shari) Lamers; sister, Lois (and Harold) Bozile; and nine grandchildren: Jacob, Joshua, Daniel, Sarah, Brittney, Kaytlin, Brigette, Alex and Brianna; along with many loving, extended family members and countless friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 29, 2011 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church parish hall, Indialantic from 3 to 5pm and 6 to 8pm with the Wake Service beginning at 7pm. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church at 6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to the Holy Name of Jesus Endowment Fund.