Joseph Richard Griesheimer

Joseph R. Griesheimer Joseph Richard Griesheimer, 65, passed away suddenly at his home September 28, 2012. He was born February 8, 1947 in Toledo, Ohio to Doyle and Emaline Griesheimer. Joe graduated from Ohio University in 1969, with a BA in English Literature, and received his MA from Bowling Green State University in Spanish Peninsular Literature. He was a member of the first year long study abroad program in Madrid, Spain, jointly conducted by OU and BGSU in 1967-1969. Joe served in the US Army from 1970-1972, stationed in Arlington, VA as a color team commander for the Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. He taught Spanish at St. John’s Jesuit High School for 25 years, from 1972-1997, and Central Catholic for 4 years, from 1998-2002, when he retired. He also was an adjunct Professor of Spanish for many years for Monroe County Community College, Tiffin University and Heidelberg University. Joe chaperoned 13 student trips to Spain and 1 to Mexico to share his love of Spanish with his students. He went on 2 short mission trips to Honduras, building a mission compound wall and parsonage, as well as 1 mission trip to Guatemala to work at a boys orphanage and city dump day care center. Joe was an adult Sunday school teacher at Emmanuel United Brethren Church for many years, and was excited to be working his way through reading the Bible over a one year period. He was especially fond of 3 men who impacted his life: Charles Fish, with whom he worked many summers, Jeff McVicker, with whom he sang, played softball, basketball and took fishing trips, and Larry Korakas, with whom he cooked many a dead chicken for Emmanuel’s campout weekends. He truly loved his Lord and was thankful that the ”Hound of Heaven” kept nipping at his heels to keep him on the right path. Joe sang many years with the Ambassadors Gospel Quartet at Emmanuel United Brethren Church in Toledo. He was gifted in music: singing, playing the guitar, harmonica, trombone and playing piano by ear. He was so proud of his son and daughter and their families. He was a loving “Papaw”, who would sit and color with, sketch pictures for, play “Capture”, play the guitar and sing to his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Cindy, son Matthew (Stacy) of Charleston, SC, daughter Jodi (Robert) McClain of Sylvania and grandchildren Alexis, Lane and Haley McClain, Noah Cade Griesheimer. He leaves behind brothers Jim (Martha) of Decorah, IA, Jeff (Valerie) of Columbus, OH, Jerry (Joanne) and sister Bonnie (Terry) Diehl of Londonderry, OH. Many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews also survive. He has joined several loved ones that have preceded him in death. He and Jeff together are belting out “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” and “Beulah Land”. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at Church of the Cross United Methodist, 1806 Cass Rd. at Eastgate. The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 2:00. Following the Memorial Service, a dinner will be provided at the church for those who wish to stay. Coyle Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. The family asks that any contributions be made to the Church of the Cross United Methodist Building Fund or Mission Fund.

Joseph Richard Griesheimer

February 8, 1947 - September 28, 2012