Joseph A. Strahl

Strahl, Joseph A.
Joseph A. Strahl, formerly of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2013. He was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran who proudly served his country during WWII. Joe was born on May 5, 1921 in Floyds Knobs, Indiana to the late George Emile Strahl and Frances Evelyn (Hatfield) Strahl. He was preceded in death by his siblings, George, Carl, William, Frances, Inez, Anna, and Irene. Joe, and his beloved wife, Celeste (Hanka), met during the World War II years. Being native-born Hoosiers from southern Indiana, they chose to be married at St. Mary of the Knobs in Floyd Knobs, Indiana. Joe is survived by his wife of 67 years, Celeste (Hanka) Strahl; five children, Joe, Celeste Anne, Robert, Dolores, and Mary; and eight grandchildren, Ben, Chris, Brian, Nick, Jon, Kate, Caroline, Jeff and many nieces and nephews. Joe loved them all very much and was extremely proud of his family. Joe retired from NOAA in Washington, DC as a meteorologist and hydrologist. Early in his career he served as a weatherman at Louisville's Standiford Field and frequently broadcast weather forecasts over local radio stations during the 1950's and 60's. The family moved to Florida, California, and Maryland throughout Joe's career. He obtained a Bachelors degree in Meteorology from Florida State University and a Masters degree from the University of Maryland. Even though they lived in many places across the country, the "Kentuckiana" area was always considered "home" by Joe and Celeste. After retirement they toured the country looking for a warm climate to retire. They fell in love with Arizona and moved there in 1986. Cremation was chosen following Joe's wishes. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM on Thursday, May 9, 2013 followed by the celebration of his Funeral Mass at 11 AM at St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Chapel (5719 St. Mary's Road, Floyds Knobs, IN 47119). Military honors and burial will follow in the church cemetery. Contributions in Joe's memory may be made to either Right to Life of Southern Indiana (1819 State Street, Suite 202, New Albany, Indiana 47150, http://www.rtlsoin.org), Covenant House (461 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001, http://www.covenanthouse.org), or St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church for Mass intentions. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.newcomerindiana.com.