(1929 - 2018)

Joseph Lawrence Lantsberger peacefully left our world to join his heavenly Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loving wife Joann, on August 19, 2018, at the age of 89.

Joseph was born in Lakeview, Oregon on February 22, 1929, to William B. and Louise Lantsberger, joining four older brothers and one sister. Later, Joseph was succeeded in birth by two brothers, bringing the total Lantsberger clan to 10. In his formative years Joseph's parents moved the family to northern California where he grew up in various small towns ultimately graduating from Biggs High School in 1947.

After beginning his college years at Chico State College in 1947, Joseph, being a proud American and patriot, enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) on August 8, 1950, and was assigned to the 48th Fighter Bomber Wing. He completed his service with an honorable discharge on July 31, 1954, at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Joseph was stationed in Europe during the Korean Conflict and traveled extensively during his military assignments.

Returning stateside, Joseph continued his educational pursuits at Chico State College. During his first semester back he met the love of his life Joann Ettl, whom he would ultimately marry on June 28, 1958, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Colusa, CA. A blissful union that lasted more than 57 years until she was called by the Lord on March 2, 2016.

While at Chico Joseph continued his athletic pursuits excelling in football and boxing where his undefeated record (Junior Varsity & Varsity) led to his induction into the "Block C" Athletic Society. His academic performance was validated by his acceptance into the Blue Key National Honorary Leadership Fraternity, and he was elected Senior Class President in 1956, presiding over his peers and leading festivities during Pioneer Days, a Chico State tradition. Joseph was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration on June 7, 1956.

Armed with his degree and Joseph set out in the professional world landing a job with Yuba County in February of 1959, and would stay in that employ his entire career retiring on October 1, 1992, as Auditor-Appraiser III.

Joseph and Joann welcomed their first child on April 9, 1959 (Theresa), with Steven (1960), and Philip (1963), rounding out the family unit. Joseph was an avid fisherman and hunter and organized weekend and summer vacations throughout the Western United States.

Joseph was extremely active in the Catholic Church and Diocese, and devoted countless hours to his home church – St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Marysville, CA, where he could always be found performing commentator duties for Saturday evening Masses. He was also a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and Charter Member of the Santa Maria Assembly #1959 (Marysville, CA).

Joseph also gave back to the community as a Charter Member of the Lions Club of the Twin Cities, Toastmasters, Elks Club, and was elected to the Board of Trustees of Marysville Unified School District. Joseph's outstanding service to his community and employer was memorialized by the Mayor of the City of Marysville who proclaimed October 1, 1992 as "Joe Lantsberger Day."

Joseph is preceded in death by Joann; his parents; and six of his siblings (Agnes, William, George, Leo, Matthew & John).

He is survived by his three children and spouses: Theresa Dwinger (Duane) of Sutter, CA, Steven (Georgia) of Morada, CA, and Philip (Cathy) of Elk Grove, CA; one brother, Robert (Claire) of Lincoln, CA; four grandchildren (Christopher Dwinger, Ashley Martinez, Jacob Lantsberger, and Tyler Lantsberger); and four great-grandchildren (Gavin Dwinger, Savannah Dwinger, Lexi Martinez, and Brody Martinez).

Visitation will be Thursday, August 23, 2018, from 4-7PM at Lipp & Sullivan, 629 D Street, Marysville, CA, with a Rosary immediately following commencing at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM on Friday, August 24, 2018, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 223 8th Street, Marysville, CA. Reception immediately following at St. Joseph's Hall, with internment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colusa, CA, at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Joseph's elected charities: St. Joseph's Catholic Church and St. Jude's Ministries. Funeral services are under the direction of Lipp & Sullivan Funeral Directors.
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