Joseph Malcolm Boschert

Joseph, Joe, was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Henry Felix Boschert and Margaret Sigmund Boschert.  He is survived by his daughters, Linda (Kurt) Reno and Ann Rayburn (Kevin Roberts). He is also survived by two loving granddaughters Jessica Reno and Sarah Rayburn. Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janice M. Boschert.  Joe was devoted to his wife of 63 years.  He is preceded in death by his siblings Ralph Boschert, Mary Anne Boschert Manning, and Dorothy Boschert Ladd, and his parents.

Joe graduated from Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in June of 1958.  He had a 30+ year career with Ford Motor Company.  His positions with Ford took him and his family from Kansas City to St. Louis to Detroit and Louisville, Kentucky where he ultimately retired.  His favorite position was with the Louisville assembly plant where he served as a resident engineer.  He loved troubleshooting challenges with production and enjoyed working with the management team and assembly line workers.

Joe and Jan loved the mountains and when they retired, they moved to Loudon, Tennessee. Joe loved living in "God's Country".

Throughout his life, Joe enjoyed golfing, shooting, woodworking, boating, camping, trading stocks, computer programming, and other hobbies.  Joe was a very talented and patient woodworker.  He made beautiful pieces of furniture, decorative pieces, and spectacular black powder guns.  He would start with a raw block of wood and transform it into a work of art.  He taught his granddaughter, Sarah, how to use the jigsaw and they made angels together.  He could fix anything!

Joe was an avid reader and lifelong learner on a multitude of subjects.  He was especially interested in the Civil War and traveled to many of the battlefields with his wife.

Joe was active in the Lions Club International where he served as the president and other leadership roles.  Joe’s care for others was exhibited through his volunteer work with the American Red Cross in various areas of the country providing disaster relief support.

Joe’s final act of generosity was to be a bone and skin donor through Legacy of Hope.  His gifts may provide healing and an improved quality of life to over 100 people.  He also donated his eyes for research through Advancing Sight Network.  Joe was blind in his left eye for over 40 years and would be grateful for his eyes to advance eye research.

Joe and Jan moved to Vestavia Hills, Alabama, later in life to be close to their daughter who could help in their care.  Joe was thankful for the friends he made at Cahaba Ridge Retirement Community. He especially enjoyed his breakfasts with the men’s group.  They had numerous animated discussions about religion, politics, and other current events.  He loved the eggs David served at Cahaba Ridge and often said, “David makes the best eggs!”  Joe was picky and this was high praise. 

Joe had a big personality with a great sense of humor.  Those who met him will never forget him!

Joe was a faithful Catholic and was grateful to the members of St. Peter the Apostle Church who delivered communion after he was unable to attend mass.  The family thanks ALL the staff of Cahaba Ridge Retirement Community.  We are also grateful for the special care provided by the Vestavia Hills and Rocky Ridge Fire Departments. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. A funeral mass is planned for Friday, July 21st, at 10:30 am at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with inurnment immediately to follow at the church.

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