Tributes

On June 12, 2012 the Lord blessed and gently called Joseph Lowell Maritzen from this life after a brief yet valiant battle with complications from aspiration pneumonia. He is preceded in death by his brother Charlie, sister Judy, beloved wife Helen and eldest son Gregory. Joseph is survived by his youngest son Michael. Joseph touched many lives during his 87 years on earth with his unique and gentle perspective on life, his humble and generous nature, and compassionate heart. A proud officer in the Air Force for over 22 years, Joseph served his country in his final years as a navigator on special aircraft such as the B52 Bomber, and was stationed in numerous locations throughout the world including Occupied Japan. On retiring from the Air Force, Joseph settled his family here in San Antonio and never looked back. While not a native Texas, he embodied the essence of a proud and resilient Texan throughout the remainder of his life. He embraced those activities that are so essentially Texan: volunteering as a cook and beer taster at the all-night annual Church Barbeque for over 25 years until health and mom prevailed, winning numerous bowling awards and trophies for both personal and team bests, trading in his "California" VW bug for the first of many trucks after totaling the Bug due to a run-in with an 8-point buck on the way home from one of his first deer hunting trips, creating ever-larger-than-life Christmas displays always involving the significant use of power tools until the dreaded year of energy conservation in the mid-70s. Yes, dad was and will always be a true Texan at heart. Throughout his life, he was a constant source of inspiration by his quiet ability to say or do just the right thing, sometimes a bit gruff in his own way but always with a deep sense of honor and respect for everyone he encountered. Joe was simply one of those unique men who never met a person he didn't like and vice-versa. This sometimes gave his family cause for concern since he was known for inviting anyone who knocked at the door in for a beer, despite the hour. Favorite past-times included playing poker with his buddies, hunting, deep-sea fishing, bowling, and of course maintaining one of the most immaculate yards in the block. Joseph was an active member of St. Benedict's parish along with his family since 1962. Please join the family in a prayer for Joseph's return to God's arms; Poppa, you leave a void that none can fill. Your loss has made this world a sadder place, brightened only by the knowledge that you are now at peace. A special and most-heart-felt thank you to the following individuals that God sent to assist with Joseph during his final years and days: Cheryl Killebrew and Rose Leggs. In particular, words can never express and deeds can never begin to acknowledge all the self-less acts of kindness, love, empathy, and patience that Cheryl showered on dad and the entire family; we can simply say God Bless you, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Tributes

Joseph Lowell Maritzen

February 14, 1925 - June 12, 2012