Joseph "Joe" Stape

1961 - 2025

Joseph W. "Joe" Stape, age 64, of New Bremen, died on May 22, 2025, at the Upper Valley Medical Center in Troy after an extended period of declining health. He was born on Jan. 14, 1961, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of the late Theodore W. "Bill" and Joyce A. (Powell) Stape. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol A. (Pulskamp) Stape whom he married on March 15, 2003, as well as his sons: Joe (Megan) Stape of Germantown, Daniel (Heather Dillon) Stape of Enon, Josh (Shannon) Stape of New Bremen, and Zach (Catherine Hilgefort) Fry of New Bremen. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren: Gabriel, Treyce, Anthony, and Arianna, (a great-granddaughter Everleigh Stape on the way); his father and mother in-law Jerry and Kathleen Pulskamp, his brother and sister in-law Steve and Mary Pulskamp, and the mother to his children, Lorena Shaver. Along with his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his daughter Amanda Stape, his brother David (Mary) Martin, and his sister in-law Linda Pulskamp.
Joe was a graduate of West Carrollton High School and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Dayton. He was a proud Navy veteran who served his country for ten years. He had dedicated 25 years of his life as a Test Engineer at Crown Equipment Corp. in New Bremen before his health declined. Outside of work, Joe cherished spending time with Carol, and together they loved to travel, especially their adventures to Belize. He also embraced his passion for motorcycles, spending countless hours customizing his bike to reflect his unique style. Joe passionately cheered on the Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes, and the UD Flyers, however, nothing made him happier than being a grandpa. His grandkids were the apple of his eye, and he loved every moment spent making memories with them. Joe had a knack for making the world a little brighter with his quick wit, humor, and outgoing personality, as he never met a stranger. He was the type of man who could light up a room just by walking into it.
To honor Joe's life, a memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen (service will be live-streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page). Inurnment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen with Military Honors. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, prior to the services at the funeral home from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions in memory of Joe can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, or to another local Veterans organization in his name. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family on the funeral home website: GilbergHartwigFH.com.