Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Beloved husband of Angela Hempen (nee Barger); dear step-father of Nicholas and Austin Campbell; dear son of the late Milton and Gwen Hempen; dear brother of Michael (Sue) Hempen and Caroline (Tim) Merlo; dear uncle of Anna and Mark Merlo; dear son-in-law of Will and Nancy; dear grandson-in-law of Eileen Wright.
Services: Visitation at Ascension Catholic Church (230 Santa Maria Dr. 63005) Saturday, March 27, 9:30 a.m. until funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials to https://support.aimatmelanoma.org/give/317089/#!/donation/checkout. A service of KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL.
Joe was such a good friend to me. Even though we did not get to spend much time together in recent years, every time we did, we picked up right where we left off, laughing and talking about music. His brilliant mind, kind heart, and love of family were quite evident to all of us who were lucky to have spent time with him. He will never be forgotten. Godspeed my friend!
Joe was such a good friend to me. Even though we did not get to spend much time together in recent years, every time we did, we picked up right where we left off, laughing and talking about music. His brilliant mind, kind heart, and love of family were quite evident to all of us who were lucky to have spent time with him. He will never be forgotten. Godspeed my friend!
What a unique and interesting guy the world has lost. What a sense of humor! Too bad Joe was took his education so seriously, or he’d have toured with Albert King when he had the chance.
Condolences to all who loved him, as we did back in the day.
Mike Nuelle and
Steve Hritz
What a unique and interesting guy the world has lost. What a sense of humor! Too bad Joe was took his education so seriously, or he’d have toured with Albert King when he had the chance.
Condolences to all who loved him, as we did back in the day.
Mike Nuelle and
Steve Hritz
I just found out about Joe this morning and I am somewhat in shock. After college we went our separate ways and never kept up with each other. We shared musical interests, went to concerts together when neither of us could find a date, played tennis, played softball, joked around, and he was in our wedding party.
I have photos of Joe from that era if the family is interested, but as of right now I do not know how to contact family members.
The memory is a little foggy, but I vaguely remember Joe’s dad, who passed away early in Joe’s and his sibling’s lives, and how that family missed him. Joe was one of my first friends that was missing a parent and at the time I had no real comprehension what that was like. I pray for Joe’s family, this is too early again.
I just found out about Joe this morning and I am somewhat in shock. After college we went our separate ways and never kept up with each other. We shared musical interests, went to concerts together when neither of us could find a date, played tennis, played softball, joked around, and he was in our wedding party.
I have photos of Joe from that era if the family is interested, but as of right now I do not know how to contact family members.
The memory is a little foggy, but I vaguely remember Joe’s dad, who passed away early in Joe’s and his sibling’s lives, and how that family missed him. Joe was one of my first friends that was missing a parent and at the time I had no real comprehension what that was like. I pray for Joe’s family, this is too early again.
Joe was my second cousin. We went to school together at St Catherine Labore on Sappington Road. Jow was a very talented guitar player and he played for our class sometimes. His dad, Milton, would drop him off with his equipment. Joe was also funny and kind. Joe’s mom Gwen, and my mother, Verna Ponzar, were best friends. We were often at each other’s houses. The kids ran wild playing in the basement! When Milton, Joes dad was dying in the hospital from Metastatic Melanoma, my mom baby sat for Caroline, who was a baby at the time–I think about 8 months old or so–while Gwen was at the hospital with Milton. I overheard many personal thoughts and conversations between Gwen and my mom that maybe someday I will pass on to the family. Now It seems Joe passed away from the same thing? Please family, get checked often as there is a genetic component to this disease. I have a picture of Ludwina and Jee Hempens (their grandparents) wedding circa 1910 I would like to give to the family. Please contact me, Marsha Ponzar 636 530 4632 or email ann63005@aol.com and I will email it to you. Rest in Peace, Joe.