Joseph Paul Horstman

Joseph Paul Horstman, age 68, of Findlay passed away unexpectedly on June 25, 2024.  Born on January 21, 1956, in Coldwater, Ohio to William and Oneda (Bohman) Horstman. His father preceded him in death and his mother survives. He married Connie (Sampson) on June 13, 1981, his loving and supportive wife for 43 years, who survives.  Together they had two daughters Dr. Gabrielle Horstman of Winston Salem, NC and Danielle (David Jr.) Welch of Findlay, OH.  He had three grandchildren whom he adored deeply: Conner Stearns, Sydney and Kennedy Welch all of Findlay, OH.  Other survivors include three brothers Tom (Pat) Horstman of Beavercreek, OH, Mike (Jane) Horstman of Minster, OH, David (Lynn) of New Knoxville, OH, four sisters Pam (Ted) Prueter of Ada, OH, Diane (Tod) Preston of Minster, OH, Cathy (Josh) Billing of Minster, OH and Jenny (Steve) Oldiges of Findlay, OH.  Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Joe graduated from New Knoxville High School in 1974 at the top of his class.  He then went on to attend Bowling Green State University where he split his time between playing collegiate rugby and his studies.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1978, ultimately obtaining his CPA. This laid the foundation for a successful career at Marathon Petroleum Company where he held various positions in Accounting, including international accounting where he was able to travel the world.  He ended his 33 years of Service as the Manager of Graphic Services.

A man of many hobbies, Joe wasted no spare time.  He indulged his love of roses and growing fresh vegetables as a past president of the Men’s Garden Club. He was a force to be reckoned with playing in Marathon’s racquetball and tennis leagues. He developed a taste for sport shooting, honing his skills as a member of the Findlay Skeet Club. This translated into many lifetime experiences of sustainable hunting trips with good friends.  Most of all, his name is synonymous with fishing. He was happiest up at Lake Erie, either fishing, cleaning the fish, hanging with his fishing buddies, or cleaning his boat until it shined.

Joe will be remembered for the relationships he built with the people around him.  He never met a stranger, and was always able to strike up a conversation.  He was known for his witty banter on the radio, and was surrounded by a strong community of fishing buddies.  He couldn’t say no to enjoying a good bourbon with them while on land. He was always quite the grill master, and he made his barbeque chicken just like his dad.  He was always quick to bring fish, steak, or bourbon to share at the Skeet Club. He valued his time with his neighbors, set quite the standard for meticulous property maintenance, and was lovingly known as the Commish of the Cul de Sac.

Joe’s family meant the world to him. He and his wife met while both working at Marathon Petroleum Company. Their first date was spent attending a local city rugby game.  They were ultimately married at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, East, by Father Frank Kehres.  He looked forward to dinner nights out with his wife. Many fond memories were made during Monday nights out at Oler’s Bar and Grill, a town tex-mex staple, with close friends.  At the end of the day, they ultimately preferred to cook together and eat at home. Baking Christmas cookies together was a yearly tradition.

He was incredibly proud of his daughters’ accomplishments, and has been to more graduations than one can count. He prided himself on his daddy daughter bourbon tastings. He was his grandson’s number one fan, rarely missing his Findlay High School Hockey or Lacrosse games.  He loved taking his granddaughters on the boat and into the pool for a quick swim. He was quick to drop his best “dad joke” at any family dinner.  He even won his last family card game.

Joe was always there when you needed him.  Most importantly, he was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio. Additional visitation shall take place from 9:00am to 10:00am on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 750 Bright Road, Findlay, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, at the church, with Fr. Adam Hertzfeld, Celebrant. A private family burial will be in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to St. Michael’s School, 723 Sutton Place, Findlay, Ohio 45840; or https://www.lakeeriewaterkeeper.org, or an alternative charity of donor choice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.

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