Joseph Libke

1929 - 2013

Joseph Burr Libke

Joseph Burr Libke, DDS. was born January 5, 1929 in Dugger, Indiana.

Joe was the oldest of three boys born to Avon Burr and Josephine Yung Libke. He passed December 22, 2013.

When Joe was eight years old the family moved to Sullivan, Indiana where he began his love of sports. His mother would tell her grandchildren how she once asked him which sport he liked best, to which he replied "The one that's in season…"

Joe graduated from Sullivan High School in 1946, where he was the quarterback of the football team and class president. Joe went on to Indiana University where he played basketball and pledged Phi Delta Theta. During the summer after his first year at IU, he was encouraged by fellow Sullivan High graduate, and close friend Scott Beasely, to transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno to play basketball. He was a starter for his remaining three years under coach Jake Lawlor. His commitment to basketball and academics was recognized by his induction into the University of Nevada Athletic Hall of Fame in 1978.

After graduation from the University of Nevada, Reno, Joe returned to Indiana University to attend dental school. During this time, in August 1950, Joe married his life long friend and sweetheart, Norma Jane Anstead. After graduation from dental school, the couple moved to San Diego where Joe spent three years in the Navy before returning to Reno to begin his dental practice, specializing in pediatric dentistry. During his years practicing, Dr. Libke was active in the local dental society. He was appointed to the Nevada State Board of Health by Governor Paul Laxalt.

Joe and his good friend Bill Parish played an instrumental role in starting the boosters club at the University of Nevada, Reno and served as its first president for 10 years. Joe's hobbies included: hunting, fishing, golfing, and watching John Wayne movies. He also enjoyed vacationing in Mexico, Florida, and most of all spending time at the family cabin at Twin Lakes, California with his wife, children and many grandchildren. Most mornings you could find him meeting up with his morning coffee klatch at Galletti's Coney Island bar. Joe was an active member of Hidden Valley Country Club, Prospector's, and The California Indians.

Joe is survived by his wife of 63 years, Norma, his two brothers John and Jim Libke, sons Mike and Steve, daughters Kim Peyton, Jane Springmeyer (Bob), and Janine Libke. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the caregivers in the memory care unit of Emeritus at the Seasons, and Vista Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the basketball scholarship program at the University of Nevada, Reno.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held this spring.