Joseph John Stiens

On July 2, 2024, Joseph J. Stiens was welcomed into God’s heavenly garden where we he is surely already tending to the tomato plants. Born in 1940, he would 10 years later become the man of the house when his father passed away. He was a lifelong faithful companion, big brother and best friend to his sister Mary Lou. From a young age, he set an example for the value of rising early and putting in a hard day’s work—from his experiences as a paper boy, to the Army Reserves, through two decades of working in the grocery business, nearly a decade as a machinist for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, plus two more decades in grocery until he retired and took a “retirement job” in the housekeeping department of St. Joseph’s Hospital where he stayed for 15 years, made lasting friendships and brought sunshine to everyone he encountered. He was a proud father and grandfather. His refrigerator and every room of his home was adorned with photos of his family. He was kind, stubborn and a constant teller of jokes. He was frugal to a fault and believed there was nothing that duct tape couldn’t fix. His favorite song was “My Way” (Elvis’ version) and the lyrics hold true to how he lived his life. 

Joe will be deeply missed and affectionately remembered by his daughter, Kathy (Brian) Langlois, daughter-in-law, Peggy Stiens, granddaughter, Josie (Ty) Hutchcroft, grandson, Jacob Stiens, granddaughter, Gabrielle Langlois, grandson, Carter Langlois, and sister, Mary Lou (Jerry) Schwalbe and many family members and countless friends. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bernice Stiens and his son, Joseph M. Stiens, who is now his eternal fishing buddy.

Memorials may be made in Joseph's name to Evelyn’s House Hospice (BJC Hospice & Home Care Fund).