In Loving Memory of Joachim “Joe” Guenther Stephan 

Joe Stephan, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on September 19, 2023.  His departure to our Heavenly Father leaves a void in our hearts, but his memory will be cherished by all who knew him. 

In recent years, Joe lovingly wrote:  I think of my life as a journey on a road. The road that already lies behind me was sometimes stony, sometimes even rocky and sometimes relatively smooth. But it has never been level and smooth. It has always required of me that I climb higher and higher to a mountain peak that seems to lie in the far distance and disappears in a distant cloud. I cannot clearly say what the cloud is shrouding – but I do know that there lies my final destiny. It is also my belief that my best days are still ahead when I return to the Home from which we came. 

Joe was born to father Kurt Stephan and his mother Marie on the 31st of March, 1933 in the town of Breslau, Germany.   He was baptized in the Catholic Church of St. Carolus on April 6, 1933.  Joe spent most of his childhood surviving WWII and escaping to the West after the ensuing Soviet invasion of Germany.  In 1950, during the reconstruction of Europe, Joe was given the incredible opportunity to come to the United States as a foreign exchange student sponsored by the kind members of the Church of the Brethren, under a program set up by General Eisenhower.  In the rich farm country of Medina, Ohio, Joe’s perspective of the United States changed from the enemy to the land of the free.  Although he had to return to Germany after graduating from Chatham High School in Medina, Ohio, he petitioned for a visa and served as an interpreter on an immigrant ship to Ellis Island where he was able to return and proudly serve in the US Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in Japan and Taiwan.  While serving, Joe’s most cherished moment was becoming a naturalized US citizen.   

Also, while serving in the USAF, he met his sweetheart Jeanette, whom he married and together they raised their four children in Ohio, eventually moving to Washington State in 1977.  Joe received his Bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University as a Geodetic Scientist in 1962. He worked as a Senior Research Scientist at Battelle Memorial Institute where he researched photogrammetry-based aerial and satellite remote sensing. He worked for Battelle for 45 years.  In his private life, he and Jeanette were very active in the Community of Christ Church, raising their children to pray and worship our Lord Jesus.  Joe served as an Elder in the church as well as a long-serving pastor.  He was also active in the Boy Scouts of America serving in leadership roles in Ohio and Washington with his sons. 

Jeanette unexpectedly died in 1989 just before Joe and Jeanette planned to retire. Joe thought he would spend his golden years in quiet retirement.  Little did he know, God would bless his life with love again with Janice “Jan” Duett Hohenberg, his loving wife of over 30 years.  Together Joe and Janice traveled abroad and enjoyed spending time surrounded by family and friends. Their home was a favorite place for grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They also were active in the Community of Christ Church and treasured their time with friends.  Joe and Janice enjoyed their time together and they never ran out of conversation.  Janice recalled that Joe was such a pleasure to be with and was a blessing. 

Joe is survived by his loving wife Janice, his four children: Marie Holst, Eric Stephan (Teresa), Annette Carlson (Alan), and Alex Stephan (Janine), Jan’s children:  Paula Yencopal (Mike), Ken Hohenberg (Trish), Krista Weeks (Steve) and too many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to count!  He is also survived by his family in Germany including niece and Goddaughter Brigitte Dithmar, niece Jutta Hendl, nephew Günter Stephan, their families, as well as extended family across the United States. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kurt and Marie, his sisters Hedwig and Cecilia, and brothers Guenther, and Kurt.   

The family would like to especially thank Teresa Ramirez, his CNS nurse and his CNS caregivers for their care and concern. 

A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held on October 13, 2023, at Einan’s Event Center at 1451 Cemetery Road in Richland at 11:00 a.m. following with a reception. Joe will be buried with military honors at a private graveside service.