Joe DeMeyer

Joseph E. DeMeyer, Sr., 88, passed away February 10, 2024 at Unity Point Hospital, Rock Island. 

Visitation is 4-6 p.m. Feb 15 at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport with Rosary at 4 p.m. An additional visitation is from 10:30 a.m. until Mass begins on Feb 16 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Moline. Funeral Mass and Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, with burial at Moline Memorial Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his loving wife, Mary, who preceded him in death in 2016. Memorial suggestions: Center for Belgian Culture, Alleman High School, or American Wild Horse Campaign.

Joe was born February 20, 1935 in Moline, son of Joseph G. and Alice (Pisman) DeMeyer. He married Mary L. Lootens on August 20, 1955 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Moline. 

Joe retired from Deere & Co. in August, 1996 after 38 years. He was later employed at John Deere Demo site, John Deere Pavilion, and Rock Island Auction Co. Joe sparked community interest in trailer camping through his trailer sales business, Apache Camping Center.

Joe was a member of Christ the King Church, Moline and the Center for Belgian Culture. He enjoyed outdoors, horseback riding, and hunting. Joe’s love of horses earned him a wrangler’s position on an Arizona ranch during retirement.  He was a talented woodworker, loved old Westerns, and a Packers and Chiefs fan. 

Survivors include his children, Joe (Janet) DeMeyer and Lisa DeMeyer, grandchildren Evan (Brandy) Murray, Zach Murray, Audrey Murray, Garrett and Hunter DeMeyer, great grandson Jack Murray, and two bonus great-grandchildren, Owen and lan; sister, Nancy Janssens, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Kathy Lootens, sister-in-law Linda Lootens; and his partner, Louise Lorimer and her family plus many friends and family.