Joseph “Joe” Gregory Rife

Joseph Gregory Rife, age 66, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 10, 2025 at 2:23 p.m. at Rosewalk Village in Lafayette.

Joe was born on May 6, 1959 in Lafayette, IN. He was the son of Jerry and Norma Dee (Wilson) Rife. Joe was born and raised in Lafayette until moving to West Point in May of 1987. Then after 33 years in West Point he returned to Lafayette to reside in Rosewalk Village of Lafayette. Joe was a 1978 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School and later graduated from Ivy Tech with an Associate’s Degree. Joe married Judy Lynn Elrod on October 16, 1985 in Honolulu, HI.

Joe was an apprentice with the Plumbers and Steam Fitters Union Local 157. Upon becoming a Union Journeyman; Joe took one year off work to drive out west to live with his brothers who resided in California. Then in January 1984, upon awakening one morning, he informed his brothers he was headed back to Lafayette. At the time, they thought it was a crazy idea due to the winter weather Indiana was experiencing. Unbeknown to them, he was coming home to meet his future wife Judy.

Joe worked for 35 years for CDK Refrigeration in Lafayette, IN which later became ICU Mechanical.

Joe was a member and a trustee of the Talbot Missionary Baptist Church. Joe thoroughly enjoyed attending church services for it was where he bent a knee many years ago to plead to Jesus to save his soul from hell.

He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Joe loved dogs and was affectionately known as “the dog man.”

He loved college sports, Indy car races, and attending live theater. He was a Purdue Boilermakers, Chicago Cubs, and Indianapolis Colts fan. Joe enjoyed going to the YMCA in Lafayette where he not only worked out but was also able to sit to drink coffee as well as visit with the other senior citizens.

Surviving with his wife, Judy, are:

2 daughters, Jennifer Rowe of Indianapolis, IN and Julie Marsh of Lafayette, IN;

4 grandchildren, Jamison Marsh, Walker Marsh, Warren Rowe, and Morgan Rowe;

4 brothers, Robert “Robb” (Lena) Rife of Corona, CA, Ron (Janie) Rife of Lincoln, NE, David (Christy) Rife of Lubbock, TX, and Tim (Jeannie) Rife of Santa Maria, CA

6 great nieces and nephews

2 great great nieces and nephews

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Jeffery Craig Rife.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025 at Talbot Missionary Baptist Church, 7040 S 680 W, Fowler, IN, from 9:00 a.m. until celebration of life service at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Elder James Elrod officiating along with Deacon David Thorn. Brother JR & Sister Sara Niccum, Kathy Girardier, Katie Collins, and Jerrette Girardier will be singing. 

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to Talbot Missionary Baptist Church Bldg Deacon David Thorn 420 E. McCracken Street, Hoopeston, IL 60942. You can also donate through Venmo by searching @Judy-Rife60 or by scanning the QR code below