Joseph Daniel Almendinger, husband, father, grandfather, and faithful friend passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born-on July 21, 1938 to the late Mark Daniel and Mae Ellen (Kirk) Almendinger and was a lifetime resident of Johnstown, Ohio where he grew up with his late brothers Gene (Saundra) and Bill (Diane) Almendinger. He was a 1956 graduate of Johnstown High School and 1960 graduate of Muskingum University, where he was a member of the Mace Fraternity. He served in the US Army from 1961-1963, spending time in Korea post-war. After his time in the military, Joe met and married his loving wife and lifetime partner, Hazel (Fulton) Almendinger on June 11, 1965.

His life work was in the timber industry. He started the Almendinger Sawmill in 1974, where he spent his lifetime building a legacy that he was proud to pass on to his son, Erich and now his grandson, Joe to carry on as the 5th generation of Almendinger’s in the timber industry.

He was an example of hard work, strength, character and love and shared a wonderful sense of humor. Joe was an avid reader and outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, traveling, playing cards and spending time with friends at his cabin in Southern Ohio, but most of all he dearly loved and treasured his grandchildren. He loved every opportunity to spend time with his family and friends.

He was a lifelong member of the Johnstown Presbyterian Church and a member of the American Legion.

He will be dearly missed by his wife Hazel of 59 years; children, Erich (Carrie) Almendinger, Barbara (Kelly) Harper; grandchildren, Matt (Paige) Woodard, Katie (Tyler) Choate, David (Katie) Butt, Joe (Asiah) Almendinger, Jeremy Butt, Grace Almendinger, and KJ (Olivia) and Kendall Harper; and (5) great grandchildren, along with his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary K. Woodard and granddaughter, Mary K. Elizabeth Butt.