Joseph John Neuerburg, 67

Joseph John Neuerburg, 67, of Eldora, IA, formerly of Traverse City, MI and New Hampton, IA, passed away peacefully at Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo, IA on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, after long struggle with the effects of a stroke he suffered back in 2015. A graveside memorial service will be held at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage, IA at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 2, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo, IA or St. Mary Catholic Church in Eldora, IA. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Creps-Abels Funeral Home, Eldora, Iowa. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.abelsfuneralhomes.com
Joe was born on February 12, 1951 in Clinton, Iowa. His earliest years were spent in Waterloo, IA and on a farm near Wadena, MN until his family moved to a farm southwest of Cresco, IA in 1956.  He graduated from Crestwood High in Cresco, IA in 1969, then attended the University of Northern Iowa.  He was one of the first people hired when a new Sara Lee plant opened in New Hampton, IA in 1972.  He transferred to a plant in Traverse City, MI in 1989 and retired in 2014 after spending his entire career with the company.
Always an avid sports fan, Joe enjoyed bowling, golfing and playing softball, and was a big fan of the Vikings, Twins and Red Wings.  He was a living encyclopedia of sports information and statistics. Quick-witted and big-hearted, he brought life and joy to every gathering.  His sense of humor, sage advice, and generous spirit will be truly missed.
Joe will be remembered and missed by his son Troy (Jennifer) Neuerburg; granddaughters Hailey and Chloe; step-sons Justin (Autumn) Carpenter and Cary (Julie) Carpenter; step-grandchildren Cade, Briggs, Ellie Grace and Owen; brother Ron and sister-in-law Marilyn, and their children Mike, Beth (Josh), Tom (Amanda), and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents.