Joe Ray Lohse

Joe Ray Lohse, 95, passed away on Wednesday March 9, 2022 at his home in Brazil. He was born on June 16, 1926 in Lyford, Indiana to the late Fred Antone and Alice (Francis) Lohse. Joe graduated from Clinton High School in 1944, and was drafted into the Army after graduation He served in WWII in France and Germany until the end of the war in Europe, he was scheduled to be sent to Japan just as the war ended. After serving his country, Joe graduated from Indiana State University, and worked as a music and band director at Bridgeton, Montezuma, and Turkey Run High Schools. He later earned his Master’s Degree in guidance and administration and married Carolyn Cherry on June 29, 1973.  He then worked as a guidance counselor, vice principal, and principal at DeMotte High School, Tri High School and Van Buren High School until his retirement in 1987.

Joe was a longtime member of the Brazil First Christian Church. He served as a deacon, elder, member of the fisherman club and prayer group. He passed out hats with “Jesus Paid it All” embroidered on them, as well as signs with “ Jesus Died for You”. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary F. Lohse, Marjorie Riner and Dorothy Fitch; brother, William Lohse; son-in-law, Dennis Livengood; as well as a grandson, Travis Livengood.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Lohse; son, Robert (Teresa) Lohse; daughters, Judy Solomon, Beverly Livengood, and Tina (Mike) Nacke; Eleven grandchildren; and Twenty-One Great-Grandchildren. 

Joe’s family would like to extend a thank you to Debbie and Randy Knox as well as the staff of Kindred Hospice and their nurses and staff.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 12, 2022 at First Christian Church in Brazil with Pastor Chris Gregg officiating. The family will accept friends for visitation on Saturday from 12:00 Noon until the time of service at the church. Burial with military honors will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, March 14 at Glen Cove Cemetery in Knightstown, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church or Cornerstone Academy.