Joseph E. Atwater, Jr.

Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers during this difficult time. May your dad rest in eternal peace.

RI

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:
You were always a fun guy. So many memories of growing up. Beloved Cousin Joey, rest in eternal peace.

Every time I traveled with His Arms Children’s Project to Kenya I loved it when Joe was there too. His compassion, sense of humor and love for the kids was so easy to see. May Jesus take good care of him now.

Well done Joey Atwater, you have been a good and faithful servant! As long as I have known you, you were the example of what servanthood looks like. You will be missed by so many.

Pastor Joe married us Phil and Carla Moore in Klamath falls ore . We were married at Zion Lutheran Church September 29 th 2023. We are so sorry for your loss May the peace of the Lord be with you always..May God bless his family with love the Moore’s

My prayers are with you and your family. May God has gained another angel. 🙏🏾

Joe was a very good friend of mine through the thick and trends of life. He really helped me get through an emotional divorce my put me through.
Joe and Laura and I rode motorcycles all over Southern California and the mountains , Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona.
One of the rides we got caught in a snow storm in Southern Utah mountain.
We had dinner parties at my home and Joe and Laura home.
Joe is now out of pain and at piece with Lord and Savior.. Many of us are not far behind seeing Joe again!!!.

In Loving Memory of Joseph E. Atwater Jr.

Joseph E. Atwater Jr. is lovingly remembered and deeply missed. He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura; his children; Danielle and husband Rob, Janienne and husband Matt, Matthew and wife Jessica; his stepsons Danny and wife Megan, Tommy and wife Gwen; and eleven cherished grandchildren who held a special place in his heart. Also survived by his brother Robert and wife Peggy, sister Dianne and husband Joe and predeceased sister Kathleen.

Joe was born and raised in Brentwood, New York, and later resided in Nesconset until 1996. He proudly served as a police officer in New York for 25 years before retiring to San Diego with Laura, where they spent 15 joyful years together. In 2008, Joe embraced a second calling as a Lutheran pastor, serving congregations throughout the San Diego area.

That same year, Pastor Joe joined the “HisArms Kenya” ministry team, where his compassionate heart found its home. He was deeply devoted to the children of Maseno, Kenya, and made numerous mission trips to support and uplift the community. On June 26, 2011, Joe was ordained at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pacific Beach, California.

Joe and Laura moved to Oregon in 2013. A few years later, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a full-time pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Klamath Falls, Oregon, while living in Eagle Point. In May 2024, Joe fell ill and spent most of his final year in New York and Tennessee. Despite the challenges, he found peace with God and prepared his heart to go home to Jesus.

Joe—loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and Pastor—leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of faith, kindness, and friendship. He touched countless lives with his warm spirit and was loved by so many across the globe.

May he now rest in peace, and may his memory live on forever in our hearts.

You were a very special person who left a lasting impression on everyone you met . You are loved by so many and will be deeply missed.!!
God speed, brother until we meet again .

Dear Laura. Sending lots of love, prayers and hugs. So sorry to hear that Joe passed. I can hear him talking to the big guy about the the Yankees !! I miss you. Linda rasmussen (laatsch)