Joseph Paul Walsh

Joseph Paul Walsh

Waubeek

Joe's life was marked by love—for bacon, the gentle rumble of old Ford tractors, the hush of quiet, lowly lit rooms, and, most especially, for Carolyn, the love of his life. They loved to take long, slow drives down gravel roads, go antiquing and find elusive treasures at flea markets.

Joe Walsh grew up on a farm near Lamont, Iowa, where he learned to find joy in simple pleasures and comfort in steadiness. He treasured his family deeply—his brother, Bob (Becky), and his cherished niece and nephew, Paula and Todd, and their beautiful families. Through Carolyn, he gained kids he loved every bit as his own, in Rhonda (Merritt) and Gabriel (Meredith)—and his treasured grandchild, Ollie. Joe was preceded in death by his loving parents, James and Dorothy—a loss he felt keenly and constantly.

He was happiest when turning a wrench on an engine until it purred. Joe approached all things with thoughtful patience—whether it was fixing a temperamental motor or sweeping up the garage floor after a full day's work. He might've been the only mechanic with the soft, clean hands of a doctor.

As a young man, Joe joined the US Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, his journey took him to Seattle, and then to the thundering racetracks of North Carolina, where he worked for racing legends like Ralph Moody.

Eventually, Iowa and the warmth of family called him home. At Bob Zimmerman's Ford in Cedar Rapids, Joe formed lifelong friendships—including with the matchmaker Karen Tegeler, whose plan resulted in his marriage to his soulmate. With Carolyn, Joe found a partner for life's second act, and together they settled on a peaceful acreage on the edge of Waubeek. Joe never stopped finding enjoyment in tinkering with trucks and tractors.

Joe's legacy extended beyond his own acreage: Just down the road near Central City, the Brown Farm living history museum found a champion in Joe. As an early board member, he helped shape the beloved annual Pioneer Days, keeping the spirit of rural heritage alive for generations to come.

His family and many friends celebrate Joe's life with affection and gratitude, confident he is now in a place where engines only stall so he can tinker on them, the coffee is hot, the bacon is crispy, and Dot and James are having a hearty laugh around the table.

A celebration of life will be held soon for Joe. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Brown Farm in Central City, Iowa, and attendance at future Pioneer Days, which is always the last weekend of July. Make sure you take a tractor ride around the property. That was Joe's specialty.