On April 4, 2015, Bernard Joseph “Joe” Mehlbauer passed away in his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born April 9, 1930 in Owensboro, Kentucky, to Bernard August Mehlbauer and Mary Louise Bell Mehlbauer. Joe was the oldest of nine children with three brothers and five sisters. He married Arva Dawn “Dawnie” Stoddard on Dec. 19, 1955, and together they raised four children. Joe served for the U.S. Air Force for more than 12 years, and also worked at Stoker Motors and the Tooele Army Depot. He also served as a volunteer with the Tooele County Search and Rescue for more than 30 years. Joe loved everything relating to the outdoors. When he wasn’t out fishing or hunting, he always kept busy with several hobbies including taking pictures, woodworking, tying flies, and tinkering and crafting in his workshop. He loved creating things for his children and grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy. Joe is survived by his wife, Dawnie, his four children Joe Mehlbauer Jr. (Brenda), Tom Mehlbauer (Shelly), Kathy Crane (Dave) and Wendy Dennison (Fred), as well as 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and his granddaughter Samantha Mehlbauer. A viewing will be held at Tate Mortuary in Tooele on Wednesday, April 8 from 10 a.m.-noon, with a short graveside service at the Tooele City Cemetery following the viewing. Condolences may be submitted at tatemortuary.com/obituaries.
