Dr. Joseph W. Tschetter

DR. JOSEPH W. TSCHETTER Joseph Walter Tschetter was born on June 22, 1920 in Millboro, S.D. the eighth child of J.B. and Susan (Wallmann) Tschetter. He departed this life on Thursday, October 11, 2007 to begin his new life in Heaven and be reunited with his son Jerry and other loved ones. Joe passed away at his residence at the age of 87. Joe was raised on the homestead at Millboro, S.D. graduating from high school there in 1938. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in January of 1942. Joe was an Airplane Propeller Mechanic Specialist, a Rifle Sharpshooter, and a Tail Gunner with the 823rd Bomb Squadron. He skip-bombed enemy shipping and fought in air offensive Japan, China, New Guinea, Luzon, Southern Philippines, and Western Pacific Air Combat-Borneo. Joe was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star Good Conduct Medal and an Air Medal in recognition of his courageous and meritorious achievements while engaged in aerial flight. He was honorably discharged December 30, 1945 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Joe enrolled in the University of Natural Healing Arts in Denver, Colo. where, after four years of study he graduated in 1953, obtaining the degrees of Doctor of Chiropractic, Naturopathy, Physical Therapy and Electro Therapy. He practiced in Brighton, Colo. and Stratton, Colo. before moving to Cortez in 1956, with his wife, Eileen whom he had met in Stratton. Joe practiced in Cortez for 43 years before he was forced to retire because of a badly torn rotator cuff which hindered him from adjusting efficiently. Four sons were born to Joe and Eileen, Jack, Jim, Jerry, and Jeff. They were raised in Cortez and graduated from M.C.H.S. Joe was an avid sportsman from a very young age and instilled within his sons the joy of hunting and fishing and enjoying God’s creation, creating lasting memories of family love and togetherness. Joe was a role model not only for his own sons but their friends, and later his grandsons, teaching them by example the true values of life. He began his relationship with Jesus Christ in his youth and attended Millboro Community Church. Joe helped build Faith Bible Church in Cortez in which he was active for several years as Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. He attended and was a member of Arriola Bible Church since 1983. Joe will be greatly missed by his wife, Eileen Tschetter of Cortez; his sons, Jack Tschetter and wife, Linda of Chandler, Ariz., Jim Tschetter and wife, Karla of Farmington, N.M., and Jeff Tschetter and wife, Mary of Phoenix, Ariz.; his grandsons, Joshua Worden and wife, Natalie of Phoenix, Ariz., Solomon Worden and wife, Ana of Phoenix, Ariz.; and his great-grandchildren, Noah and Elijah Worden of Phoenix, Ariz., and Joey, Asael, and Kimberly Worden of Phoenix, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jerry Tschetter; and eight of his siblings. Even though his presence will be missed, we know that we will see him again because there are no permanent good-byes for those who are Christians. Cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Joe Tschetter with Hospice of Montezuma, PO Box 740, Cortez or Gideon’s International, PO Box 62, Cortez.