WELLSVILLE - Josef Franz Doenges, 92, passed away quietly at
the Wellsville Manor Rehabilitation Center on Friday (March 30, 2018) after a
brief illness.
Josef was born on Oct.3, 1925 as the third of eight children
of Josef and Maria Anna Doenges of Steinheim, Germany. Josef grew up during
some of the most turbulent times of modern history. He was drafted into the
army at the age of 17; was wounded during the invasion of Normandy in France;
spent two years in a prisoner of war camp in Texas; and eventually emigrated to
the USA in 1962. He became a U. S. citizen on March 25th, 1968. On Jan.1, 1965
he married Rosemarie Kurth who preceded him on July 7, 1981. On Dec.28, 1985 Josef married Patricia Diane Merry at Jones
Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. Joe and Pat loved traveling, sightseeing, and
spending time with people they cared about. They spent many happy years
together summering in Scio and wintering in Elberton, Ga. until Pat’s death on
Feb.23, 2017.
Joe is survived by two sisters, Rosel Gruen of N.J., and
Gisela (Konrad) Loebel also of N.J.; two nieces, Ulrika (Jorge) Ocasio of N.J.
and Juta (Niko) Chiapparini of Germany; and one nephew, Detlaf (Karin) Staroste
also of Germany. Joe will be missed by Pat's brothers, Bill (Fran) Merry of
Wellsville and Dave (Sue) Merry of Homer, and his nieces Anne Merry, Karen
Merry, Krista (Josh) Kline, Brenna Merry, Kerri McKee.
Mr. Doenges worked as a tool and die maker in various shops
in N.J. until his first wife's death, whereupon he traveled the US and
eventually settled in the Scio area because he said “It looked like home.”
While Joe liked to travel, he also loved being home,
cooking, and spending time outside. Joe had a strong sense of what he felt was
right or wrong and was not easily swayed from his beliefs. He was an
independent person who loved being free to choose his own course. He also had
an interest in others and a sense of humor even when the joke was on him. There
are many who can attest to his concern and willingness to help out when there
was a need.
Later in life Joe joined his wife Patricia and got baptized
as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. They enjoyed spending time with their
congregation socially and engaging in their volunteer work of free home Bible
education. His deep commitment to his faith, friends, and family will be sorely
missed by those who knew him.
There will be a memorial service on April 21, 2018 at 3:30 p.m.
at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's.
Witnesses located at 115 Chamberlain St., Wellsville. In
lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wellsville Congregation of
Jehovah's Witnesses, 115 Chamberlain St., Wellsville, NY 14895.
Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral
Home in Wellsville and online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
