Joseph William Weitzell

Joseph was born on September 17, 1933, the son of Joseph L. and Fanny (Otter) Weitzell. He was raised in High Bridge, New Jersey. Joseph served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Joseph met his wife, Colette H. Hilpisch, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were married on July 3, 1959. Work transferred Joseph and Colette to Kodiak Island Alaska where their two daughters were born. Other work transfers gave the family an opportunity to see other parts of the world and the United States.

Joseph was a graduate of Minnesota University (B.A.) and New Mexico State University (M.A.). Joseph volunteered for Mesilla Valley Hospice for many years. After retirement, Joseph spent his time with Colette, taking care of her until her death in 2005. Joseph enjoyed being a husband and a father. He always had to be doing something: working, volunteering, helping out family and friends and working in his yard.