Joseph F. Tamke

Joseph F. Tamke, 92, of Stoneboro, PA, passed away at the VA Butler Healthcare on April 5, 2025. Joseph was born on April 2, 1933, to the late Viola and Henry Tamke.

Joseph served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps. After his discharge from the military, he moved to southern California for many years, and also resided in Nevada for some years before coming to Stoneboro. He worked at Walmart in the paint department while residing in California, and also worked for Boeing. He continued to support his brothers in arms through the VA association Blind Rehabilitation Services, and would attend week-long seminars. Joseph loved to flirt with his nurses whom he loved at the VA Butler Healthcare. He was a very independent man who worked hard in all he did in his life.

Joseph is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Heckman; his nieces and nephews, Tammy (Kevin) McIntire, Mikki (Theresa) Heckman, Todd (Teresa) Heckman, Kelly Heckman, Mark (Rose) Ruggieri, Brian (Pam) Ruggieri, Keith (Linda) Ruggieri, Maria Chaillet, and Laura Ruggieri; his numerous great nieces and nephews; a step-son, Randy Zimmer; and his special friends Marianna and Mathias Madsen.

In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Carol Zimmer, his sister Rita and her husband Victor Ruggieri, and his brother-in-law Charles Heckman.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rose and Black Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 99 Franklin St. Stoneboro, PA, 16153. Per Joseph’s wishes, there will be no services.

Inurnment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joseph’s name to the VA association Blind Rehabilitation Services.