Obituary

 “The time of departure is at hand. I have competed well, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

The words of Paul: (my confirmation name)

2 Timothy 4:7

My work is done, let me rest in peace forever.
Safely home in Heaven at last. Our faith is such that we believe that all of us will meet again.

I want to see God, but in order to see Him I must die.

October 16, 2023 at 4:35am in the hospital in Irvine, California

Joseph Bachmeier was born on March 18, 1932, to Dan and Theresia (Sander) Bachmeier in Esmond, North Dakota. He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Devils Lake, North Dakota. Joseph received his Bachelor of Science degree from Mayville State University, Mayville, North Dakota in 1956. He obtained his Master of Science degree from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota in 1963. He completed the two-year state credential Counseling and Guidance Program at California State University Long Beach in 1975.

He was united in marriage to Ruth Jean Sparrow on August 4, 1956, in Fargo, North Dakota. Joseph was employed in the field of education for 32 years. Ten of those years were as a classroom high school teacher. Seven of those years included the duties of principal and coach. He also taught in the Business and Economics Department at Black Hawk Community College in Moline, Illinois for four years. It was from there that the family moved to California in 1968. He served as a counselor for the Los Angeles County Office of Education for 18 years before retiring in 1992.

Joseph served in the United States Army in 1953-1955.

He enjoyed playing the game of baseball for 12 years. He was a team member of the Mayville Red Caps Baseball that won the North Dakota State amateur baseball tournament in 1951 and 1957. His pastime was occupied as a TV spectator of baseball, football, and basketball. He enjoyed his early morning walk and the many family parties.

Joseph is survived by his 2 daughters, Susan, and Lori; and 2 sons, Terry, and Scott; 7 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, and daughter Roberta.

 COMFORT FOR THOSE WHO MOURN

In death there is certainly the very real pain and sorrow of physical separation. But it is equally true that our loved ones remain with us. They simply continue into eternal life. They are still with us waiting for the day when we, too, will enter the doorway of our eternal home. You must not grieve so sorely, there is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand. When that work is all completed, Jesus will gently call you home.

Lord, protect and bless all of us both absent and present and be merciful to those departed. Accept our devotion and sincerity to draw us closer to each other and to you. Almighty God, we thank you for all you have given us. You have nourished us with bread from Heaven. May this family find true unity through faith in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.