Joe Ocken

Joe Ocken, 61, of Missoula, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 3, 2016, at his home with his family by his side.

Joe was born on July 9, 1954 on a small farm in Carroll, Iowa to Paul Ocken and Norma-Jean Ocken (Wuebker). At the age of 9, Joe's family left the farm for a new life in Colorado Springs, CO.
Joe received his first degree from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). More importantly, it was here that he met the love of his life, Elisabeth (Betty) Schultheis. After college, he joined the US Coast Guard's officer candidate school in 1977. During his first tour of duty he married his beloved Elisabeth, who would remain the love of his life and partner for the rest of his life. Joe completed his Master's Degree in Health and Science at John Hopkins School of Public Health during his active Coast Guard assignment. Joe was involved in numerous hazardous material related incidents during his 17 years with the Coast Guard, the most memorable being the Valdez, Alaska Oil Spill.

After the Coast Guard, Joe began a second career cleaning up hazardous waste sites for an Ohio company, OHM, as a certified industrial Hygienist and Safety Specialist. In 1998, Joe and Elisabeth moved to Missoula, where he took a job working for Envirocon.

Joe Enjoyed USPSA pistol competitions and found a passion for stage design. He also enjoyed fly fishing and had a talent for tying flies and building rods.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, two brothers; Jer (Cathy), and Alan (Jane), two sisters; Sandy Burgess and Jean Ann Sadler (Michael). He will be greatly missed by all of his nieces and Nephews.

The Family will have a private remembrance of Joe in Colorado, in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Missoula Food Bank or Poverello Center.

Arrangements have been under the care of Cremation and Burial Society of the Rockies.




Read Joe Ocken's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.