Joseph Edward Homme

Joseph Edward Homme

Joseph Homme, 63, passed away after a hard-fought battle with prostate cancer. Joe was diagnosed in 2019 as Stage IV and was asymptomatic at the time.

He was born to Edward and Sheila Homme at the old Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Palmer on April 19, 1959 and died on October 8, 2022 at the new Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. As was often the case, his family was by his side during his final days.

Joe loved his family most of all, but also found time to love baseball, the Beatles, movies, and dogs, always dogs. He had a life-long love of learning. He liked to read and write, and authored several articles, short stories, and four books. He was an idea-man and continually had a project going.

He is known for his clever and dry wit and, no matter the season, was seen wearing his wool Filson vest. He was warm, gentle, approachable, generous and, as a man who always planned ahead, left his affairs well in order. He was kind to others, a problem-solver, a deep thinker, and liked to debate in the most diplomatic of ways.

Joe had a very strong faith and was fond of describing himself as a Norwegian Lutheran. Two things Joe said he wanted people to know: Get your prostate tested and begin a dialogue with God.

Joe worked for the State of Alaska Dept. of Transportation from 1981 until his retirement in 2014. He worked on local road and aviation construction projects, and also in Bethel, Sleetmute, Dillingham, Dutch Harbor, and Hooper Bay. He was often referred to as the go-to guy. Blessed with a pleasant voice, he had also worked as a radio and sports broadcaster.

In his younger years Joe did a lot of volunteering. He was a member of the Palmer Elks and Palmer Historical Society, coached baseball, served as a Stephen Minister, and of course was a member of St John Lutheran Church and a proud member of the Sons of Norway!

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cheryl; son and daughter-in-law Derek and Amanda; son James and his girlfriend Madison; two of the best and cutest granddaughters you ever did see, Shelby and Eva; and a brother and sister-in-law Jordon and Suzie Weekes. Joe was well-loved and is fortunate to have had a wide circle of family and good friends.

If you own any style of vest, please wear it to the Celebration of Life November 5 at 2 pm at St John Lutheran Church in Palmer. All are invited.