Name: Visitation for Joseph E. DeMeyer Sr.
Start: 2024-02-15T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-02-16T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home

Joseph E. DeMeyer, Sr.

Feb. 20, 1935 - Feb. 10, 2024

Joseph E. DeMeyer, Sr., 88, passed away February 10, 2024 at Unity Point Hospital, Rock Island.

Visitation is 4:00-6:00 p.m. Feb. 15, 2024 at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport with Rosary at 4:00 p.m. An additional visitation is from 10:30 a.m. until Mass begins on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Moline. Funeral Mass and Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, with burial at Moline Memorial Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his loving wife, Mary, who preceded him in death in 2016. Memorial suggestions: Center for Belgian Culture, Alleman High School, or American Wild Horse Campaign.

Joe was born February 20, 1935 in Moline, son of Joseph G. and Alyce (Pisman) DeMeyer. He married Mary L. Lootens on August 20, 1955 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Moline.

Joe retired from Deere & Co. in August, 1996 after 38 years. He was later employed at John Deere Demo site, John Deere Pavilion, and Rock Island Auction Co. Joe sparked community interest in trailer camping through his trailer sales business, Apache Camping Center.

Joe was a member of Christ the King Church, Moline and the Center for Belgian Culture. He enjoyed outdoors, horseback riding, and hunting. Joe's love of horses earned him a wrangler's position on an Arizona ranch during retirement. He was a talented woodworker, loved old Westerns, and a Packers and Chiefs fan.

Survivors include his children: Joe (Janet) DeMeyer and Lisa DeMeyer; grandchildren: Evan (Brandy) Murray, Zach Murray, Audrey Murray, Garrett and Hunter DeMeyer; great-grandson, Jack Murray; and two bonus great-grandchildren: Owen and lan; sister, Nancy Janssens; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Kathy Lootens; sister-in-law, Linda Lootens; and his partner, Louise Lorimer and her family; plus many friends and family.

Leave Online Condolences at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Rock Island Dispatch Argus on Feb. 13, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph DeMeyer

Sponsored by Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home.

2 Entries

Your grandson

February 16, 2024

Grandpa, I can´t pull out a saw without thinking of you. Our house was, and still is, dotted with your projects. Furniture would come and go - but grandpa´s plant stool was enduring, looking just as sturdy as the day it was made. Your craftsmanship and precision was unmatched. Why be sloppy when you can make it a work of art?

Grandpa, the stories of your life were written on the walls of your house. Stories of adventures, good times and bad, and helping others in need. No matter the situation it always ended with a big laugh echoing from the faded leather chair.

Grandpa, you were with me as I completed weapons qualification in the Air Force. Your voice resonated through my head the whole time; square up the sights, let the trigger surprise you... bam! Just like behind the hill at the marina. Patience, commitment, safety, trust. The lessons we learned with you went far beyond the range.

Grandpa, we watched as you cared for grandma in her final years. You showed everyone what true love means. What a lifelong commitment really entails. How to put on a brave face when staring down adversity. We should all strive to care for others with the compassion and love you had for grandma.

Grandpa, I smile every time I see the John Deere logo. Blasting down 50th street in your Gator are some of my favorite memories. Sure, driving it was scary the first time. But feeling your calming presence, knowing your hand is close to if needed to take over, and a quick glance at your comforting smile gave me the confidence to push through and try something new.

Grandpa, the lessons you taught us helped make me into who I am today. The sights and sounds of everyday life - cut lumber, cowboy songs on the radio, a deer off the side of the road - brings in a flood of memories of you and the intrinsic wisdom they carry.

Soon you´ll be back at that same place you taught me to drive the gator. I hope you get to relive the joyous days of driving two giggling twins wrapped tight in a blanket around, the excitement in our eyes as we discovered the new found freedom of driving ourselves, and the satisfaction as we drove off on our own for the first time knowing we were growing into men you helped mold. Happy trails grandpa.

Ronald Weydert

February 15, 2024

Joe Was a special friend. I worked with him at Deere & Company for some time, He was very dependable and always upbeat. The real core of our relationship was our big game hunting trips for deer, antelope, and elk. Many of our trips included camping and Joe was the mastermind that made those trips come off without "a hitch". Finally, Joe was a great individual, and I will miss him,

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