Joseph Joey Bacher

1936 - 2023

Joseph "Joey" Bacher, 87, of Coralville, passed away on Nov. 12, 2023, at the Iowa City VA Hospital. Military honors will be rendered at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Lensing's Oak Hill in Coralville. A celebration of life gathering will continue until 5 p.m. Joe was born on Feb. 13, 1936, in Knoxville, Tenn. He graduated from high school in Tennessee before entering the United States Army Reserves in 1954. Joe enlisted into the Army in 1957. He became Airborne and Special Forces Green Beret qualified prior to serving two tours in Vietnam. He was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards including the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star before his honorable discharge from the Army in 1977 with the rank of Master Sergeant. Joey married Karen Marek in 1984. The couple lived in Coralville where Joey worked at the University of Iowa for over 20 years as an HVAC mechanic until retirement in 2002. In his spare time Joey enjoyed fishing, woodworking, playing cards and boating. He had the uncanny ability to figure out and fix just about anything and never tired of learning new things. He was a kind and generous man who was loved by many and touched so many people's lives in a meaningful way. As his health began to decline in recent years, he looked forward to spending every weekend at the lake. His boating family took on new meaning and he treasured the love and support they provided to him. They were always there for him no matter what he needed. Joey is survived by his loving wife, Karen; children, Terrie Hardman, Byron Bacher and Emily Bacher; grandchildren, Christopher Bacher, Levi Combs and Marshall Combs; mother-in-law, Janelle Marek; brother-in-law, John (Suzy) Marek; and sisters-in-law, Dianne (Merlin) Conrad, Carol (Jeff) Corzatt and Cindy Marek. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Kate Bacher; sister, Evelyn "Patsy" Scarbrough; and father-in-law, Dale Marek. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Iowa City VA Dialysis Nursing Staff or to Iowa City VA Palliative Care. Online condolences may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.