Joseph Anthony Niedecken

Joseph “Joe” Anthony Niedecken, age 52 was called to the Lord Thursday night February 22, 2018. He died peacefully in his sleep at home in Maumee, OH. Joe was born in Delphos, OH in 1965 to Charles “Charlie” and Esther Niedecken. Joe graduated from Delphos St John the Evangelist High School, where he was a member of the band and wrestling team and the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Joe was a licensed Professional Engineer during his career that spanned nearly 30 years in the petroleum and refining industries. He was known for his commitment to safety. His extensive on-site refining experience allowed him to contribute in many roles for a variety of companies during his distinguished career. Joe advanced in his career and made lasting friendships along the way. Joe welcomed challenges and found great fulfillment in helping others succeed. He gave his best everyday doing what “he always wanted to do.” He earned several notable awards for his service. Joe retired in 2017 at the height of his career and looked to a future of new adventures and opportunities to serve his community. Joe’s kindness and support was greatly appreciated by his brothers Ed and Harry and his sisters Becky and Sharon. Joe was a “favorite uncle” and the entire family enjoyed trips to visit him – especially during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Most of the family still has beads collected during the parades that passed in front of his St Charles Ave home. Joe and Retha met in New Orleans, Louisiana and had been together fourteen years. Joe was the light in Retha’s life. His kind, generous, warm nature was ever present. Joe loved his friends and family and was always eager to travel or take on a new adventure. In recent years he went to Paris, Ireland, Africa, Germany, Prague and England and was eager see more of the world and try new hobbies. He was most content in his river front home with his beloved wife and canine companions, Fritz and Grace. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sharon Reuther. He is survived by his loving wife, Retha; sister, Rebecca “Becky” (Charles) Ansley of Columbus, OH; brothers, Edward “Ed” of Toledo, OH; Harold “Harry” (Debbie) Niedecken of Pleasanton, CA; mother-in-law, Constance Hardin; sister-in-law, Rachel (Marc) McCarthy; brother-in-law, Carlton (Jade) Karnes; nieces, Katherine “Kassie” (Mike) Czubik, Christine (Andrew) Seeholzer, Kristen (George) Bruque and Ariel Niedecken; nephews, Kyle Ansley, Scott and Reiss Niedecken as well as, many great-nieces and nephews. Joe will also be missed by his faithful canine companion of many years, Fritz and Fritz’ sweetheart, Grace. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43614, on Tuesday, February 27th from 4-8 p.m. where a Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. There will also be visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 28th, in the mortuary, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church, 104 W. Broadway St., Maumee, OH 43537 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private. The family request donations be made to the Engineers Foundation of Ohio, 400 S. 5th St., Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43215-5430 or to the Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609. Please sign and view our online “guest registry” at CoyleFuneralHome.com

Joseph Anthony Niedecken

1965 - 2018