Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Kauten Obituary
Joseph (Joe) M. Kauten Sr. (71) passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease on April 23rd, 2021. He was born in Mt. Clemens, MI to Henry and Margret (Shortle) Kauten. Joe was a graduate of Roseville High School and attended McComb County College before enlisting in the U.S.A.F. in 1969. While stationed at Pease Air Force Base, Joe met his wife of 49 years Mary Lou (McMaster) of Portsmouth, NH. Joe served in Utapao, Thailand during the Vietnam War. Upon returning to the U.S., he finished his 4-year term in Idaho.
After leaving the U.S.A.F., Joe and Mary Lou settled in Portsmouth, where they raised their three children. Joe went to work at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME in 1974. He worked in the Shop 11 Mold Loft, and retired as Building 92 General Foreman after 32 years. Joe was a talented craftsman, often called to assist family and friends with home projects.
Joe was known for his love of family and the outdoors, a Michigan native who quickly fell in love with everything NH had to offer. He became an avid New England sports fan, but enjoyed watching the Lions… lose on Thanksgiving! He enjoyed hiking, especially Mt. Chocorua, camping in the White Mountains and kayaking. He loved biking, often biking to and from work. Joe looked forward to his yearly vacations in the Great Lakes to visit family. He adored spending time with his five grandchildren.
Joe is predeceased by his parents, sister Kathryn (Kauten) Biggs and brother James Kauten. Survivors include his wife Mary Lou (McMaster) Kauten who lovingly cared for him at home, his three children Corinne (Steve) Waldron of New Durham, NH; Joseph (Milena) Kauten Jr. of Lutry, Switzerland; Katrina (Corey) Robb of South Berwick, ME; brothers Kerry (Cathy), Jeffrey and Daniel of Michigan; his grandchildren Anaka, Ava and Brody Waldron, Phoebe Robb and Marlena; cousins and many nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021, at 11am, at Parish of the Assumption, St Joseph's at 150 Central Ave, Dover, NH. All in attendance must wear a mask. Graveside services will be at the NH Veterans Cemetery at the family's discretion. The family would like to thank Cornerstone VNA and Hospice, Dr. Robert Donnell, and Dr. Mark Dick for caring for Joe.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's name to the Parkinson's Foundation 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 City Square, Suite 2, Boston, MA 02129.
Arrangements by Farrell Funeral Home, Portsmouth, NH.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Kauten
Sponsored by Farrell Funeral Home, Inc..
John Grindle
May 7, 2022
Remembering the Draft Mark caper, Thanks sir!!
Sebastian and Agata
April 30, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Tommy Monaghan
April 28, 2021
Condolences to Marylou and the family. Joe was a gentleman, a family man and a good friend. The void with help will be filled by his Children and Grandchildrens memories.. Hugs Tommy and Kathy Monaghan
Jack Parnham
April 28, 2021
Joe was one of the most dependable and skilled lofters I had the pleasure to work with. Always willing to take on a new challenge with innovative ideas and a "can do" attitude". One of the best of the best. A real family man, Joe was a great example to all he met and helped.
Michaela Claudius
April 28, 2021
Liebe Mary Lou, lieber Joe,Corry und Katharina,ich umarme Euch und bin im Gedanken bei Euch.Ich habe Joe sehr gemocht.Er war so freundlich und immer hilfsbereit.Gern denke ich an unsere leider so seltenen Treffen,sein Lächeln.Seid umarmt!Mischi /Michaela Claudius
Wayne Michaels
April 27, 2021
Mary Lou and Family,
We are deeply saddened to learn of Joe’s passing, I remember the many occasions we visited the Kauten home as we were growing up. My longing memory of cousin Joe will be of his genuine kindness and that remarkable smile. We all will miss him, Joe left the world in a better place by his presence and the joy he shared. We pray for you all during this difficult time.
Wayne and Nancy Michaels
Corie Waldron
April 27, 2021
For those who are unable to attend Joe’s funeral services you can visit www.assumptiondovernh.org and click on the brown St Josephs button
Services are at 11:00 am
Thank you
April 27, 2021
To the Kauten Family:
On behalf of a grateful nation, and the Department of NH, VFW/Auxiliary District #7, we wish to acknowledge your loved one's service to our country, and send our deepest condolences on your loss.
District #7 Chaplain,
Cathy Burns
Frits Desbouvrie
April 27, 2021
As a shipfitter I worked with Joe on numerous high profile projects at the shipyard that required the Mold Loft. He was always helpful and a pleasure to work with. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. I'm sure he will be missed.
Jenna Dion
April 27, 2021
Joe will always be my birthday buddy, by a day! Thanks for always making me laugh. Sending you a lot of love Mary Lou
Micki Smith
April 27, 2021
It’s hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful man who truly loved his family. He fought a very hard battle with the love and support of his wife and children and now he can Rest In Peace knowing that they will take care of each other. He will be forever missed.
Phil Sharples
April 27, 2021
I am very saddened to read of Joe's passing. He was one of the finest craftsmen and supervisor's in our shop at the shipyard, and also a gentleman of the highest order. It was a pleasure to know and work with Joe through the years. Condolences to the entire family.
Dan Bernard
April 27, 2021
I'm very sorry to hear about Joe's passing. As a coworker, I always found Joe to be a complete gentleman and joy to be with. My sincere condolences to the family.
Nathan Provost
April 26, 2021
Uncle Joe was THE man! As his Godson I knew I could always look forward to him and Aunt Mary Lou stopping by in the summers to hang with my parents for a bit while they were making their stops in Michigan growing up. He had such charisma and an embodied joy, it was contagious! And that smile, I dont think I'll ever forget it. It was practically glued on his face if he wasn't asking you a question and getting to know what's been going on with ya. You don't and won't find them like Uncle Joe anymore. Cheers Uncle Joe, glad you're feeling better and waiting for us with a few beers up there! Love you! - Nate and Holly
Don Ramsey
April 26, 2021
I worked with Joe a good part of my career in the shipyard. Always good to get along with and a Gentleman at heart. Condolences to the family and R.I.P. Joe. God bless
Catherine and Tom Gray
April 26, 2021
Saddened to hear about Joe. He was such a nice guy and helped out all of his neighbors. He could do everything.
Linda and Tom Webb
April 26, 2021
So sad to know Joe is gone, always thought of him as a loving husband and caring father! Remember the wonderful projects he was always involved in, and his wonderful smile!!! He will be missed and he was truly loved. Tom and Linda Webb
David Torr
April 26, 2021
Worked with Joe at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, very dedicated and was the ultimate in precision layout. We always knew that something was really important when he was involved in its layout.Very nice to work with and just to talk to. Condolences to the family and may he Rest In Peace.
John michaels
April 26, 2021
Joe was my first cousin I will truly miss Joe as he was a gentle and kind man May god rest his soul John michaels
Diane and Jack McGee
April 26, 2021
Joe was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to know! He and Mary Lou were such an awesome couple, wonderful parents and grandparents. Jack and I have known them for a long time and send our deepest sympathies and love to all the family. We will keep you all in our prayers.
John Grindle
April 26, 2021
Sorry to hear of Joes passing
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Kauten's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Kauten
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Kauten's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
