Joseph R. Meichtry

Joseph Raymond Meichtry, known as “Papa Joe,” by friends and children. Joseph was born in Monroe, Wisconsin on April 19th, 1930. He was raised on a dairy farm and was the youngest of seven brothers and one sister. Joe’s German-speaking parents Moritz and Ida were Catholic, and brought their faith when emigrating from Switzerland in 1900. Joe served as an altar boy and helped on the family farm.

In the late 1940s when Joe’s parents and siblings moved to California, Joe followed suit. He graduated from San Fernando High School, where he played varsity tennis, and won a San Fernando Valley doubles championship.

Joe served in the Korean war in Newfoundland. He received training in electronics and radar systems operation. Joe was employed by Lockheed Missile where he worked as an electronics calibration technician.

Joseph met his loving wife, Patricia “Patti” at a Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) dance. They married on January 23, 1960, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church in Tujunga, CA. Joe and Patti moved into their permanent house in Simi Valley, CA. In 1963 Joe served as an usher and joined the Knights of Columbus at St. Rose of Lima Church.

After Joe struggled working at small aerospace firms, he was happy to land a job at Northrop Grumman who had the B-2 stealth aircraft. He worked as a Metrologist. Other than work, Joe enjoyed building and flying model airplanes. He was in the Simi Valley Flyers club. His interests were camping, skiing, maintaining the house, yard, and fixing things in his workshop.

He was a loving husband and father. Joe was a caregiver for his wife later in life. He had an amazing life of service to others. Joe is survived by his wife Patricia, brother Albert, children Michael, David (Elizabeth) Andrew, Jennifer (Mark), Donna, and

granddaughter Lauren.

Joseph Raymond Meichtry passed away on March 10, 2023. A man who lived his Catholic faith, loved his country, and was a kind and gentle person. Joe was a friend to all, and we will deeply miss him. Funeral Mass March 31st at St. Rose of Lima Church Simi Valley, California, followed by interment at Assumption Cemetery, and a Celebration of Life reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a veteran’s association of your choice.