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Deacon Joseph Edward Loutzenhiser III died on May 14, 2021 after living a life of selfless service to his family, church, community, and nation. Those who met Joe became better versions of themselves in the light of the empathy, patience, joy, and love he radiated.
Joe's life of service began when he was just a boy, living across the street from St. Paul's Catholic Church in Salem, OH. He was often called upon to run across the street to be an altar server at daily mass, weddings, funerals, and baptisms. His appreciation for his faith grew as he attended St. Paul's Catholic School through the eighth grade before attending Salem High School from which he graduated in 1965. He attended Kent State University, Salem Campus before entering the US Navy. After a tour of duty in Vietnam, Joe returned to his educational pursuits, earning a degree from Youngstown State University in business administration.
Joe married Georgia Lozier on August 29, 1970. They enjoyed over 50 years of marriage with mutual support, love, and respect. They raised two daughters, Jodi and Kristen, who carry on their dad's legacy of kindness and deep faith. Joe embraced his role as "Poppy" to their granddaughter Kayla, his sparkle in his eyes and enthusiasm for life live on in her.
Joe spent the first part of his career working in business. However, after attending a Christ Renews His Parish(CRHP) event, Joe followed a calling to a vocation in the Roman Catholic church. He was ordained a Deacon by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland in 1994 and began working full-time at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Medina in 1995. In addition to officiating at numerous baptisms, weddings, and funerals, Deacon Joe would often MC for the Bishops throughout the Diocese. He was Spiritual Director of the Women's Renewal Teams for over twenty years. He worked closely with the church youth group and travelled with the teens to see Pope John Paul II twice. He was well known for his performances at numerous family, parish, and diocese events as the much beloved "Bobby." As part of his devotion to Christ and others, Deacon Joe will be remembered for being willing to bless anything: pets, motorcycles, homes, cars, swimming pools, along with traditional religious items. Deacon Joe embraced every opportunity he had to spend time with people; he had a way about him that revealed he was truly present with others, sharing with them in their concerns and celebrating with them in their joys.
In addition to his ministry in the parish, Joe was active in the Knights of Columbus for fifty-five years, a member of the VFW, and served as president of the Salem High School Alumni Board.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph, Jr. and Helen Loutzenhiser. He is survived by his wife of over fifty years, Georgia; his daughters, Jodi Loutzenhiser and Kristen (Brian) Huston; his granddaughter, Kayla; his siblings Mary Alice Hawkins, Bill (Dawna) Loutzenhiser, Sharon (Danny) Moon; nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.
Visitation will be held from 4pm - 8pm on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, OH 44256. Vespers will be held at St. Francis Xavier in Medina for Clergy and family at 4pm on Thursday, May 20, 2021 with visitation at St. Francis Xavier following until 8pm. A funeral mass is scheduled for 11am on Friday, May 21, 2021, at St. Francis Xavier. Mass will be live streamed. His interment will be at a later date at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, OH. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations in Joe's memory be made to Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church or Salem High School Alumni Association.
Online condolences at www.waitefuneralhome.com.
5/18/21