Obituary of Joseph M. Igelmund

Joseph M. Igelmund passed away in Tucson, Arizona on July 8, 2008, at 93 years of age. Born July 15, 1914 in Spokane, Washington, Joe lived a long and wonderful life. After graduating from Gonzaga Preparatory School, he followed his father's footsteps and worked for Washington Water Power Company as an engineer in Spokane. He then had the good fortune to meet his future wife, Lucille, while singing and harmonizing around an old player piano at the boarding house where they both resided. After Joe and Lucille were married, they left Spokane and Joe joined Pan American Airways as a flight radio operator based in Seattle. His career with Pan Am spanned thirty-seven years, during which he flew in Alaska and the Pacific; after transferring to ground operations on the birth of his sons, was Airport Manager in Burma, Alaska, and Guam; and then was promoted to Division Controller positions in New York, Panama, and Honolulu. Following his retirement, Joe and Lucille resided in Green Valley and then Tucson over thirty years. They loved their retirement years, spending much time together on the golf course and traveling with car and trailer to all fifty states and Canada. Joe was a devoted husband and father throughout his life. Lucille and he had an extraordinary marriage in which both enjoyed being with one another at every moment and talking about every subject. He provided a strong moral compass and kind and loving direction to his sons in childhood, in adulthood, and always. As to friends and acquaintances, his unfailing courtesy, respect, empathy, and quiet humor were hallmarks of his life. He is survived by Lucille, his wife of 66 years; sons, Joe of Larkspur, California and Darrell (Linda) of Medina, Washington; and grandchildren, Jessica and David. Joe's elder sisters, Marie and Johannah predeceased him. At his request, no services will be held. Arrangements by DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME, 3081 W. Orange Grove Road, Tucson. He will be missed greatly by all of us lucky enough to have known him.