In loving memory of

Joseph M. Laufersweiler
August 26, 1952 - January 21, 2018

Joseph M. Laufersweiler, 65, of Fort Dodge passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018 after a sudden illness in Iowa City at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 26, 2018 at Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home and then a Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Patrick Behm officiating. Burial will follow at Corpus Christi Cemetery. A visitation will be from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Joseph Michael Laufersweiler was born August 26, 1952 to Welch and Dorothy (Fortune) Laufersweiler in Fort Dodge. He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Saint Edmond High School in 1970. Joe first attended Iowa Central Community College and later received his degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota. In 1979, Joe purchased the funeral home from his father and became the fourth generation Laufersweiler to own and operate Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home in partnership with Harlow Sievers.
On February 25, 1989, Joe was united in marriage to Carol Fisher at Sacred Heart Church. In 1991, their daughter, Sarah was born. She was Joe's pride and joy.
Joe never forgot a name. Every hand he shook or hug he gave was genuine. He was a pillar in his industry and a pillar in the Fort Dodge community. He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish, Morning Daybreak Rotary, Moose Lodge #806, and a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe was also a past board member of the Marian Home and the Red Cross.
He loved fishing together with his wife Carol. He would spend hours polishing his boat for fishing trips with Carol and his close buddies. Joe the funeral director, fisherman, friend, father, and Joe the husband will be deeply missed.
Joe is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Sarah of Milwaukee, WI; siblings, Ann (James) Tornabane of Urbandale; Thomas (Terri); John; Sue Laufersweiler all of Fort Dodge; Jean Fortune of Mankato, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark, at the age of 17.
Joe truly believed in supporting charities amongst our community. Therefore, in lieu of flowers or plants, you might consider making a contribution to your favorite charity in Joe's name.

Tributes

Kathy Lawler wrote on Feb 4, 2018:

"Joe, yours were the eyes I looked to for comfort for so many years through the loss of family and friends so I knew how much you were going to be missed. I didn't expect to be needing you so soon and be the first family to be served without you. Rest assured you left it all in good hands with Mark and Luke. Lots of laughter still coming out of that meeting room as we made Tim's arrangements. Job well done Joe. Rest in peace and my love and sympathy to your family. Kathy Lawler"

John j hanson wrote on Feb 2, 2018:

"joe was a wonderful and generous man.he will be greatly missed and remembered.he left a great legacy of his kindness and of coarse his remembrance .when my dad died in 1992 he was so caring and understand with my mother in comforting her.he will never be forgotten .be in gods wings . john hanson "

Sharon Geerdes wrote on Jan 26, 2018:

"A beautiful service today for Joe. he is loved and will be truly missed by everyone. Ours thoughts, love and prayers to Carol, Sarah and all of the family. Pam Doyle and Sharon Geerdes"

Dean & Sue Konvalinka wrote on Jan 26, 2018:

"So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Sympathy and prayers to the family"

Jo Marie and Bruce Elkema wrote on Jan 26, 2018:

"Joe was SO KIND and caring when our parents died in 1987 and 1990. We knew him before that, as he is the bother of my cousin Jim's wife. He helped our family through the entire visitation and burial process. Since then I have seen him at other funeral services in Fort Dodge, and he ALWAYS remembers who I am and asks how our family is doing. He was a very genuine person, and so great at communicating all that goes into the burial process, but also, understanding the needs of grieving family members. We are donating to the Franciscan Mission Associates in honor of Joe. Rest in peace, Joe, and your family has our sincere sympathy. Jo Marie (Tornabane) "

Penny Presswood wrote on Jan 25, 2018:

"Joe, you were one of a kind and I have the utmost respect for you...and Mark and Luke. I have so much to say but can seem to find the words. RIP. You were a kind and amazing man and I'm so glad that I got to know you for a short time. Rest In Peace. Penny Lewis."

Linda Donner wrote on Jan 25, 2018:

"Joe has been a good friend I got to know him Thur Daybreak Rotary and the Dragon boat event. He was always a big help in eveyway. We lost another one of the 'Good Guys' too soon. Our prayers and sympathy to the Laufersweiler family. Tom & Linda Donner "

Trina McCreary wrote on Jan 25, 2018:

"So saddened to hear this. Joe was such a kind man as are his nephews, Luke and Mark. Heartfelt condolences to all of Joe's family and friends. The family of Richard Fossell"

Mark Maggio wrote on Jan 25, 2018:

"Although not a member of our family, Joe was a member of our family. I will not forget his deep and reverent and spiritual voice in leading the praying of the Holy Rosary with us, as did his Dad, at our family wakes across the generations."

Tom Dorsey wrote on Jan 24, 2018:

"I feel as though I've lost a connection to my family history. Joe was tasked with the funerals of most of the previous generation of the Dorsey family and Conway's and some of the Koll's as they aged and passed away mostly in the eighties. . As the oldest grand child or great nephew I was frequently asked to be a pall bearer. Joe was forever gracious. "

Roger Link(Kenny and Darlene Link Family)and wrote on Jan 24, 2018:

"Mr. Laufersweiler and nephews were a rock of comfort for myself and my siblings when my parents passed 3 mos. apart in 2000. I shall forever be grateful. R.Link."

Kelly Krug wrote on Jan 24, 2018:

"There isn't anything I can add that hasn't been said about Joe ... He was everything that people have mentioned. I remember him from way back in my childhood. He was a friend of my brother Tom's, and the only friend who didn't tease me about being a creepy younger sister. He was always nice and respectful even as a young guy. I oray that his wife and daughter, and the enture family, find some comfort in knowing that Joe left such a positive imprint in those who's lives he touched. God bless! Kelly Lennon Krug"

Teresa Savage wrote on Jan 24, 2018:

"Sending our sympathy to Joe's family and friends. Such a nice tribute to him. He was a staple in our family funeral services, my mother (Ruth McGough) remembers him very fondly. He did always remember her name and always came over to visit with her when she was at the funeral home. He was a special man and was very good with people at their worst times. "To Look in his eyes is to see the face of God.". Sent with prayers, Teresa Savage "

Barb (Barrett) Streit wrote on Jan 24, 2018:

"Sympathy and prayers to Joe's family. Joe was there to help the Barrett family through our family loses. May his soul rest in peace and may his family find peace."

Dean Boeckman wrote on Jan 24, 2018:

"What great loss to the community of Ft Dodge and for Funeral service. He was an awesome mentor to me as I began my career in funeral service and I had the pleasure to work with him for over 10 years. My deepest sympathy goes out to the you Carol and Sarah and the entire Laufersweiler family. Rest well my friend, and your nephews will continue the legacy you continued from your father and grandfathers."

Michael Paulson wrote on Jan 23, 2018:

"So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I did not know him personally, but he handled the final arrangements of several of our family members. He was a true professional and a gentleman in every sense of the word. A huge loss to the community. May he Rest In Peace."

dan and jeanie zehr wrote on Jan 23, 2018:

"To the family of Joe, and to the great staff at Laufersweiler's. Thank you all for your wonderful service all of these years! Can noti imagine the grief that is coming your way. You have all done sooo much to lessen our pain. Hope a few ind words will help you at this time. Joe will truely be missed."

Marcia anderson wrote on Jan 23, 2018:

"Joe and I were classmates. When my father died he really helped me alot. His kindness and compassion were greatly appreciated. "

Christine Eckerman Cannon wrote on Jan 23, 2018:

"My sympathy and prayers go out to Joe's family. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I have known Joe since 1st grade at Sacred Heart school. He was a great guy and a fun classmate all through grade school and high school. Joe helped with arrangements on numerous occasions for our family and supported us with compassion and caring. Joe will be missed by our family and the community. Christine Eckerman Cannon "

Pam and Don Peters wrote on Jan 23, 2018:

"Our deepest sympathy to Joe's family. He was just one of those "good guys". I personally think of those middle of the night calls when one of our Hospice clients passed away. Joe would come and be the caring professional he always was. Everyone was important to him no matter their walk of life. This is what he taught Mark and Luke. On a personal note I remember his kindness when Don's mother passed away. She died shortly after Don got home from On With Life. He took Don by the arm and made sure he safely made it to the gravesite for the service. He told me he was so glad to see Don home and how well he was doing. There must have been such a crowd waiting in heaven Sunday when Joe went through those pearly gates. He will be missed by all of us here."

Donna Quick wrote on Jan 23, 2018:

"I am saddened by Joe's passing..my family has worked with the Lauffersweillers for many years, and I always felt their care and kindness . God surround your family with peace and comfort. Donna Mathey Longhauser Quick and Greg Quick"

Michael Bacon wrote on Jan 23, 2018:

"My heart goes out to his family, Joe was a very special person, who always helped my family when we had lost family members, he had a very compassionate heart, and he will not be forgotten. He touched so many people with his kindness and understanding. My prayers to Mark and Luke and to Joe's wife and daughter. He will be deeply missed. Michael Bacon "

Phil Somsen wrote on Jan 23, 2018:

"My sympathies to Joes family and especially to Luke and Mark. Joe was always a gentleman and such a gracious colleague to work with during my years as a chaplain. You will be in my prayers. Rev. Phil Somsen, retired "

Val Butler-Waters wrote on Jan 23, 2018:

"I am deeply saddened and my heart breaks at the loss of a good friend! My father John Butler worked for Welch at the funeral home. The Laufersweilers were like family, I recall the day my father passed and Joe had called, he held me at my weakest moment ever in my life. He will be deeply missed??'""

Edie Butterworth wrote on Jan 23, 2018:

"I have known Joe since high school and he was such a wonderful person. He supported our family during our loss on several occasions with compassion, kindness and consummate professionalism. Our deepest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace."

don heddinger wrote on Jan 22, 2018:

"Joe has been a good friend since high school days and served our families over the years with compassion, when we needed it the most. We lost another one of the 'Good Guys' too soon. Our prayers and sympathy to the Laufersweiler family. Don & Paulette Heddinger"

Randy and Windy Cerwick wrote on Jan 22, 2018:

"Carol we are sooo sorry! I'm in shock right now! He was so compassionate and caring! We will truly miss him! Glad we had the fun times with him!!!! Randy and Windy Cerwick "

Kurt Odenwald wrote on Jan 22, 2018:

" We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. It just doesn't seem that long ago that we were all in Iowa City celebrating our daughters' graduation and their move onto the next phase of their lives in St. Louis. Sarah, Maria and Lucy.... what wonderful times we shared. Please know that Sandy and I are thinking of you and your entire family and will keep you in our prayers. Kurt Odenwald "

Margaret Gardner Baker wrote on Jan 22, 2018:

"My love and prayers for the entire family. I have fond memories of Joe...always so nice to me. It is a sad day. Sincerely, Margaret Gardner Baker. Davenport, Iowa"

Mary Maggio wrote on Jan 22, 2018:

"He was so young! Joe was a consummate professional. Exceedingly kind, highly competent, especially gifted in his occupation. I am so sorry for all of the family, not to mention the town of Fort Dodge."

Gale Winters wrote on Jan 22, 2018:

"Joe was a friend since childhood. I'll never forget the kindness and sympathy he gave the entire Winters family. He served us through Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Parents, Brothers and Sisters; always with attention to detail, compassion and even a shoulder to lean on. I would try to stop in and visit whenever I was in town; we'd reminisce and bid farewell until the next time. Joe, you'll truly be missed. "

Dave Moore wrote on Jan 22, 2018:

"Joe was a true gentleman. A great resource for the community. He will be missed. RIP Joe. Dave Moore, Hogan-Bremer-Moore-Mason City"

Jo Cloud wrote on Jan 22, 2018:

"Joe, was the one my family always turned to for the arrangements of loss of family members. In 1976, my sister Mary Horan, 2005 my father Joe Horan, 2010 my mother Eleanor Horan and 2015 my sister Linda Fitzgerald. Joe was an individual who had the deepest love, compassion and guidance for so very many. He is a great loss not only in our community but also as a friend to many. Our deepest sympathy to Carol and the family. He will be missed here but welcomed by those that have all journeyed ahead. - Don & Jo Cloud"