Joe attended Iowa State University majoring in agri-business. After graduating, Joe continued to farm with his father, Hank, eventually purchasing his first 40 acre plot a few miles east of the home farm in Collins. During this time, Joe also worked for the Production Credit Association. After leaving PCA, Joe formed his own company, Ag Land Realty, in Marshalltown Iowa.

In later years, he became a world traveler going to South America, Europe and the Middle East. He even took his sister LaRue to Las Vegas for a helicopter tour of the Zany Grey ranch.

Joe was preceded in death by his father Hank, his mother Arlene, his sister LaRue, and a nephew, David Owen. Joe is survived by his nephew Bob Ramsey (wife Deb Hannen), of Iowa City, Iowa, and nephew Mike Ramsey, of Colo, Iowa.

The visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home, 1418 Fawcett Pkwy, in Nevada. Joe’s funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, also at the funeral home. Cremation rites will follow the service and private burial will take place at the Colo Cemetery in Colo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Collins-Maxwell FFA or to any FFA chapter of your choice in Joe’s memory.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the arrangements for Joe. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.