Joseph Biesbrock

Joseph Allan Biesbrock passed away at the age of 88 in Maineville, Ohio, on December 4, 2024, after a prolonged illness. Born on May 12, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Joe was the first in his family to graduate from high school, college, and graduate school. He attended Sioux City Central High School in Iowa, earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Utah State, and completed a PhD in Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia.

Joe served as a Professor in the Biology Department at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega from 1973 until his retirement in 2000. His passion for the outdoors was evident in his work as a forest ranger, smoke jumper, and park ranger in the North Cascades National Park. He cherished hiking the Appalachian Trail and canoeing the rivers of North Georgia.

Known for his sense of humor and generosity, Joe touched the lives of many. He is survived by his son, Aaron Biesbrock, daughter-in-law Leslie Winston, and two grandchildren, Kellen Van Biesbrock and Devin Nicole Biesbrock. He also leaves behind two stepsons, Michael Davidson and Greg Davidson, along with their families, including stepdaughters-in-law Samantha Davidson and Cassie Davidson, and grandchildren Jake Davidson, with his wife Morgan Davidson, and Anna Grace Davidson.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Biesbrock Chappelow, his first wife, Edieann Freeman Biesbrock Didham, and his second wife, Patricia Davidson Biesbrock.

Memorial donations may be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Joe's honor.