Joseph Player

Joseph C. Player was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Charles and Thelma Player on March 31, 1945. Joe passed away peacefully on September 1, 2024, in Dallas, Oregon. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and Houston, Texas alongside his three siblings. His father inspired and started Joe's lifelong learning of fixing and creating things. He graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in Kansas City. Joe worked as a small engine repairman and eventually began working for Petersen Manufacturing and later transitioned into plastics manufacturing management, where he remained for most of his career.
Joe met his future wife playing volleyball in a church single's club. He married Rose Player on June 27, 1970, and their daughter Jennifer was born a few years later. Along with Rose and Jennifer, he went on to live in Tennessee, Colorado and Oregon. Joe and Rose moved to Oregon to spend time with their grandchildren, Marina and Henry. He finished his work life co-owning and operating with Rose, a Big Town Hero sandwich shop in Salem, Oregon.
Joe's interests included reading, woodworking, and building and fixing things. He was extremely knowledgeable in various areas of home repair. He often built things for his grandchildren including a puppet theater, bow and arrows, and a tree house. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed watching PBS, as well as other educational programming and could recall details he learned decades later. Joe's positive demeanor will be well remembered, even during his final long illness.
Joe is survived by his daughter Jennifer P. Foster (Stuart) of Salem, Oregon, grandchildren Marina and Henry, brother Tom Player (Susan) of Houston, Texas, and sister Nancy Dostal (Bob) of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, brothers-in-law Ray Miller (Linda) of Houston, Texas, Charles Nakvasil Sr. of Portland, Oregon, Richard Nakvasil (Kathy) of Boring, Oregon, sisters-in-law Susann Pfannenstiel (Jerry) of Blue Springs, Missouri and Kathy Janes (Doug) of Portland, Oregon and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Player, by his parents, Chuck and Thelma, his sister, Linda Miller, brothers-in-law Joe Robison and Andy Nakvasil and sisters-in-law Helen and Joann Nakvasil.
According to Joe's wishes, no services will be held but consider remembering happy times with Joe while listening to songs he enjoyed in his later years such as Annie's Song, Vincent (Starry, Starry Night), I'll Fly Away, and The Old Rugged Cross. Remembrances may be made to the American Stroke Association. Bollman's Tribute Center is caring for the family.