Joe Pittenger Jr.

Joe Mack Pittenger, Jr., 82, a veteran of the Vietnam War and longtime resident of Whitley County, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly and entered eternal rest on January 6, 2026. He was born on June 10, 1943, to the late Joe Mack Pittenger, Sr. and the late Jeannett Shultz in Jefferson Township, Whitley County, Indiana.

Joe believed in simplicity and lived a simple life devoted to service and community. As a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Joe served his country with great honor and integrity. During his career with the military, Joe was awarded numerous medals for his honorable service and received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, a Letter of Appreciation, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After his military career, Joe pursued multiple occupation opportunities and ultimately settled into a career as a working foreman with Primco, Inc. of Fort Wayne, Indiana, dedicating 23 years to the construction industry; building roads and bridges. Joe was also a member of the American Legion and VFW of Columbia City. He attained and was honored with the key officer position of Post Commander in both organizations. Joe served a Post Commander term for the American Legion and numerous Post Commander terms for the VFW, Post 5582. In addition, he served as the Quartermaster of the VFW, Post 5582.

Joe was known, loved and respected by many and never knew a stranger. The word stranger just didn't exist in his vocabulary. He was a socializer and would speak and conversate with anyone about anything. Joe was said to be "a good man" and to have had a funny personality and joking sense of humor, by many people that were close to him and knew him well. He always had a story to tell, was easy to talk to and was full of great ideas and wisdom, which he shared without hesitation. Joe always had a solution and an answer for everything … in his mind.
Joe was very devoted to and passionate about the U.S. Marine Corps, veterans, and service members. He found enjoyment and pleasure in many things, such as hotrods, drag racing, NASCAR, duck hunting, mowing grass and traveling. Joe also had several hobbies that encompassed golfing, fishing and bowling, and found peace and relaxation in coloring artwork.

Joe Mack Pittenger, Jr. is survived by his long-time and devoted partner and significant other of 23 years, Gail Strickland; his children, Lance (Kristi Mader) Pittenger, Tim (Sheila) Pittenger, Dede (Ellis) Amburgey and Jody (Mandy) Pittenger; his chosen children, Shane DeBolt, Colby (Shawn Schultis) DeBolt, and Caleb (Amy) DeBolt; eight grandchildren, three chosen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and two chosen great-grandchildren; along with a host of other chosen family members, relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his son, Van Patrick Pittenger; by his parents, Joe Mack Pittenger, Sr. and Jeannett Shultz; by his sister, Tamara Arnold; and other loved ones and friends.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the VFW, Post 5582, 415 W. Chicago Street, Columbia City, Indiana on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Noon, casual attire and come as you are. Joe will be laid to rest on a later date at the Oak Grove Cemetery.

May Joe Mack Pittenger, Jr. rest in peace and may his loved ones, family and friends find strength, comfort and amity in the memories, laughs and love they shared together. Joe's legacy of service, loyalty and memories built, will remain alive and remembered in the hearts of all who knew him.