Joseph Aldridge

JOSEPH E. ALDRIDGE

Tama

Joseph E. Aldridge died Jan. 3, 2017.

Joe was born Sept. 2, 1936, in Blandinsville, Ill., to Elmer Aldridge and Hattie Duncan. He was raised by his uncle and aunt, Verne and Lucille, near Kirksville, Mo. Joe graduated the eighth grade. Joe was united in marriage to Julia Josephine Sichra on April 12, 1958. He had driven a truck in his younger years and had his own carpenter business. He worked at Tama Pack for 25 years and retired from there. Joe loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards, bid euchre, coon hunting, fishing, vacationing, snowmobiling and horseback riding with his wife and kids. He had a collection of Bryer horses and geodes. He raised walker coon hounds and Chesapeake Bay retrievers that he would take to an old sandpit.

He is survived by his wife, Julia; five children, Becky (Chuck) Purk of Tama, Bernie (Nan) Aldridge of Tama, Julie (Randy) of Chelsea, Rick (Roni) Aldridge of Soldotna, Alaska, and Laurie (Jim) Schmitt, Doniphine, Neb.; and brother, Dean Aldridge of Fort Madison. Joe had 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, three brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer; stepmother, Hazel; mother, Hattie; brother, Herb Aldridge; and two sisters, Leathafae Cassidy and Elaine McLaroy.

There will be a celebration of life from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Eagles Hall in Tama. Please come and celebrate his life with the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.iowacremation.com under "Obituaries."