L. Joseph “Joe” Iosbaker, 80, an Aberdeen resident for 46 years, died at his home Friday, Aug. 31, 2018. He was born in Grinnell, Iowa, on Dec. 13, 1937, the son of Erwin Wallace and Alma Louise (Grubb) Iosbaker.
The family moved to Severna Park, Md., where he graduated from high school in 1955. He would then go to Estes Park, Colo., in 1966 before coming to Aberdeen in 1972. Joe had been a mail carrier in Maryland and again in Tacoma before a job transfer to the Aberdeen Post Office. He retired after 20 years of service.
He was married to one of the loves of his life, Dixie Tracy Petrina in Aberdeen in 1984.
Joe was the Santa Claus at the South Shore/Riverside Mall for several years with his wife, Dixie, being Mrs. Claus even as he served as Santa for private business Christmas parties including the Quigg Christmas festivities. His greatest joy was seeing the faces of children light up with happiness. At Christmas, Joe would even deliver his mail route in his Santa suit.
He was president twice of the Aberdeen Eagles Aerie No. 24 and volunteered for kitchen and serving duties for the Aerie at the frequent dinners. He and Dixie were members of the Wynooche Wildwood Camping Park.
Joe is survived by his wife, Dixie; two sons: Gregory (Tamra), Benton, Ark., Eugene, Aberdeen; two daughters: Tania (Mark) Cox, Buckley, Wash. and Donna (Paul) Matthews Hay, Austin, Texas; two step-sons: Tony (Katie) Petrina, Elma and Tom (Tami) Petrina, Lake Tapps, Wash.; a step-daughter: Teran (Robert) Haase, Oympia; a sister: Linda (Bill) Willison, Chino Valley, Ariz.; and 13 grandchildren: Madison, Edward, Jada Renee, Thayer, Allen, Zack, Nikki, Seth, Aaron, Brett, Makaili and Ty; two great-grandchildren: Hailey and Clayton; and also the second love of his life, his dog Rambo, which he called his “Little Buddy”.
He was preceded in death by four brothers: Barnie, Dick, Bob and Dave Iosbaker; and a sister: Lois Ford.
A private family gathering will be held at a later time.
A card of condolence with a memory or a message may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.
Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.
