Joseph Hans Owren

Joseph was born in Schenectady, New York, the second of five children, to Harvey and Doris (nee Hagen) Owren on July 17, 1944. He was baptized into Christ on March 21, 1946, at Zion Lutheran Church of Schenectady, and confirmed on June 9, 1957, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church Livermore, CA. On December 14, 1974, Joe married Sherilyn Shirley at first Immanuel Lutheran Church, San Jose, CA. That union was blessed with one child, Kristin Paige Machamer (nee Owren). Joe graduated from Livermore Joint Union High School and studied electrical engineering at San Jose State University. He founded a company that specialized in high-speed photography which was used in university research and by the military. Most noteworthy was his invention of night vision cameras developed for the U.S. Navy and used by ships to detect mines in the First Gulf War. Joe also taught summer courses at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A devout Lutheran, Joe worshipped regularly, attended Bible classes and served on committees and in leadership positions. He also volunteered to help troubled youth, believing he could make a difference in the lives of others. Joe was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He cherished his fraternity brothers and their spouses and was an avid Spartans fan. He dearly loved his country and was very patriotic. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's in early 2007, Joe and Sherilyn faced this dreaded disease head-on in the faith. For 12 years he and his family lived with this degenerative disease. When he took a sudden and dramatic turn for the worse in April 2017, the family decided it was time to relocate to Austin, Texas. Here he was diagnosed with a much rarer and even less understood Lewy Body disease. The angels came on Friday, September 15, 2017, to carry Joe home to heaven. Joe is survived by his wife Sherilyn; his daughter Kristin Machamer and husband Dan; his grandchildren Remmer, Anaiah, and Aksel; his siblings George, David, Betty Ann, and Priscilla. A funeral service for Joe was held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas on September 22. He was interred at Palm Valley Lutheran Cemetery, Round Rock, Texas, on September 25. Joe died in Christ, believing in the forgiveness of sin, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. In mourning the death of Joe, we also celebrate his resurrected life. May he rest in peace as the Light of Christ perpetually shines upon him. Memorials may be given to Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Wounded Warrior Project, Lutherans for Life, or a charity of your choice.