Joseph R. Deiss, Jr.

Joe was born September 3, 1932, in South St. Paul, Minnesota to Joseph and Magdalene Deiss. He graduated form South St. Paul High School in 1951. He was a star on the high school football team, and was an excellent downhill skier, an an avid golfer. He worked with his parents in their dog breeding and training business. Joe, along with his parents, showed dogs, winning many awards. Joe's first military service was in the U.S. Navy. After completing over two years in the Navy he entered the USAF through the Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program. Upon successful completion of officer and pilot training on November 15, 1954, he was appointed a Second Lieutenant in the USAF, and awarded his USAF Pilot Wings. Joe subsequently had several USAF flying assignments including tours in the U.S., England, Europe, the Far East, and three combat tours in Southeast Asia. His flying duties included pilot training instructor and Aircraft Commander in both B-47 and B-52 aircraft as well as several staff assignments. Joe flew over 200 combat missions in Southeast Asia. For those combat missions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, five Air Medals, and the Bronze Star Medal. Joe's final assignments in the Air Force were as the Operations Officer, 325th Bomb Squadron, and as Assistant Director of Operations, 92nd Bomb Wing, Fairchild AFB, WA. Joe retired from the USAF on May 1, 1973 in the grade of Lieutenant Colonel after more than 22 years of service and had a highly distinguished USAF flying career. Colonel Deiss's other medals and awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with five Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Combat Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters and a combat "V" Device, and the Combat Readiness Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. After Colonel Deiss retired his wife, Mary Lou, and he opened a boating sales business. From there Joe went into the trucking business, winning many awards for sales. After selling Acuras and motorhomes Joe retired and was able to spend his time fishing on Lake Pend Oreille where he caught some trophy sized fish. Joe was a member of the Military Officers Association of America, the Lake Pend Oreille Fishing Club and a lifetime member of the North American Fishing Club. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, and his first wife Mary Lou (of 40 years). He is survived by his wife Patti (Spokane); four sons, Bradford (Theresa), Anthony (Cindy), Barton (Theresa), Clayton (Denise); two step-daughters, Staci (Buckie) and Jenni (Darin); nineteen grandchildren: Cameron, Jason (Shawna), Michael (Beca), Brandon, Tausha (Jason), Melissa, Tara, Ryan, Justin (Cherice), Jerrad (Kait), Josh (Elisa), Zach (Steph), Brianna, Rodee, AJ, Billy, Evan, Iris and Ava; nine great-grandchildren: Napoleon, Kylee Mae, Zander, Corbin, Mathew, Savannah, Zoie, Elijah, Ethan and Dior (due November, 09); his sister Deelores Puls (Patashala, Ohio); nieces Judy (Mike), Joni (Tim). Joe Deiss was an exemplary husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He was a wonderful person, an inspiration to us all, and we will all miss him. Service will be held Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, 4305 N. DIVISION ST. SPOKANE, WA 99207. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Spokane or South St. Paul Education Fund.