Joseph Altaffer, 66

Joseph M. Altaffer 66, of Bryan passed away Saturday afternoon at his home. He was born January 23, 1948 in Wauseon, Ohio to Henry and Lelah (Cook) Altaffer.  He attended West Unity High School and was a Vietnam veteran serving in the U.S. Army. On November 22, 1969 he married Jeanie Helms in Bryan and she survives.

Joe was a truck driver for over forty years and was a member of the Teamster Union for twenty two years.  He was a family man who loved fishing, especially in Minnesota and watching the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was well known for his famous hot wings and apple dumplings.

In addition to his wife Jeanie, Joe is survived by his mother, Lelah Gilbert of Bryan; two sons, Jamie (Elli) Altaffer of Montpelier and Jason (Jennifer) Altaffer of Edon; three brothers Judd (Nancy) Altaffer of Bryan, Frank Gilbert of Angola, Indiana and Clifford (Lisa) Gilbert of Bryan; two sisters: Diane (Ernie) Camarillo of Bryan and Debbie Altaffer of Bryan;  nine grandchildren: Halie, Morgan, Sara, Haylee, Keeley, Seth, Travis, Wyatt and Eryn and his first great granddaughter Emerlee who is soon to be born.

Joe was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Hank “Sonny” Altaffer.

Visitation for Joe will be Tuesday May 6th from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the Thompson Funeral Home on Main Street in Montpelier.  Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home with Ted Mathes to officiate. Burial will follow at the Shiffler Cemetery with military graveside rites performed by the Bryan V.F.W.  Memorials in Joe’s name may be made to the family.