Joseph A Blumel, Jr.

BLUMEL, JR., Joseph A. – November 27, 1926 to September 25, 2017 Our Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and very close friend passed peacefully on September 25th. Joe was born in Euclid, Ohio to Hazel and Joseph Sr. He grew up in the Cleveland area, graduated from John Adams High School in 1944 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While he was serving in World War II, his parents moved to Spokane. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy he visited his parents, and decided to settle in Spokane. He enrolled at Kinman Business University and studied business administration. After graduating from Kinman he began a series of sales jobs and in 1961 he joined the rapidly growing company American Sign and Indicator Corporation as a district sales manager. During his career with American Sign he made several lifelong friendships including company founders Luke and Chuck Williams. American Sign was the Nation’s largest sign leasing company and Joe consistently set individual sales records. After retiring from American Sign Joe became active in real property management and he enjoyed working with his family in property management until health issues slowed him down. After settling in Spokane, Joe met Beverly and they married on August 26, 1948. Together they raised their three children. Great family memories of camping at Priest Lake, trips to Disneyland, boating in the San Juan Islands. There are also great memories of simple get togethers, talking, laughing, and regular lunches at the Milk Bottle. Joe had an adventurous spirit and he will be missed and remembered. We send our thoughts to all the people who knew him and shared with us his kindness, laughter and irascibility. We also thank the staff at Brookdale for the care they provided. Joe is survived by his three children, Joe (JoAnne), Diane, and Debbie; four grandchildren, Doug (Michelle), Andrew (Emma), Katie (Nick) and Ryan; five great grandchildren, Emma, Lauren, Claire, Mason and Esther and one more great granddaughter within the next few days, Brooklyn Jo; and Beverly’s brother, Harold Victor “Butch” Johnson (Jayne). A memorial and celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.