Joseph F. Waterer

Alaskan Joseph F. Waterer, 56, died April 23, 2012, at Alaska Regional Hospital.

Services are at 1 p.m., May 2 at Palmer Highway Church of God, 349 E. Arctic Ave.

Due to financial struggles, the family is requesting a potluck reception at the Waterer residence following the ceremony for close family and friends. For more information, email georgiannawaterer@yahoo.com. In honor of Joseph’s wishes, the family also is requesting donations for Paralyzed Veterans of America in lieu of flowers.

Joseph was born Feb. 28, 1956, in Mount Gilead, Ohio, to surviving mother Margaret Jean Cellar and deceased father Donald Frederick Waterer.

Joseph graduated from Ridgedale High School in 1974.

He married Karen Y. Waterer on March 5, 1977. Joseph joined the U.S. Air Force on Oct. 5, 1979, as a supply specialist, which took him to Travis Air Force Base in California. Joseph got transfer orders to Elmendorf Air Force Base in 1981.

Joseph was medically discharged from the Air Force on Nov. 13, 1984, due to a tragic car accident that broke his back and left him unable to perform the job duties. Joseph then worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as a flight data specialist until his passing.

Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Karen Yvonne Waterer; children, Derek Frederick Waterer, Georgianna Nicole Bettis, Kenneth Duane Waterer and Joseph Donald Waterer; grandchildren, Faythe Yvonne Bettis, Leland Terry Bettis, Jayden Duane Waterer, Jaxon Lee Waterer and Destini Shealeen Waterer; son-in-law, Rodney Earl Bettis; daughter-in-law, Gabriel Michels, who all reside in the Matanuska Valley. He’s also survived by brothers, Randy Waterer and sister-in-law Connie Waterer, and Matthew Waterer and sister-in-law Kathy Waterer of LaRue, Ohio; sister, Vicky Kempt and brother-in-law Dave Kempt of Marion, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joseph was a family man. His greatest joys in life were spending time with his grandchildren and spending time with the people who he loved most. He loved to make people laugh. He always believed in not taking life to seriously, but to brush off the small stuff and worry about what really matters. His ability to forgive the misfortunes that were brought unto him was truly remarkable. He could always find a way to laugh in every situation.

“Joseph would want his family and friends to honor and celebrate his life, to remember the great times we had with him and remember him in those moments,” his family wrote. “His memory of being a great husband, father and grandpa will forever remain in our hearts. It’s a great misfortune that we’ve lost a great man, but we know that he is in a place now where he no longer feels pain every day and can now live in peace. We will always miss him. But Joseph would want us to carry on and celebrate life and know that we will all have a guardian angel watching over us.”

Arrangements were entrusted to the Cremation Society of Alaska. An online guest book may be signed at alaskacremation.com.