Joseph Lee Laudenslager

Joseph Lee Laudenslager, age 76, of Gratz (Loyalton, Elizabethville and Pitman too), passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Tremont Health and Rehabilitation Center in Tremont, PA. He was born on April 11, 1948, at his home in Lykens RD, PA, the son of the late Ruth (Yoder) and Haven Laudenslager. Joseph, also known as Joe or Butch to family and friends, was a Marine Veteran. Rather than being drafted in the war, Joe decided to enlist with the Marines. He served during the Vietnam War from December 29, 1967, to August 12, 1969. While in Vietnam, Joe manned a howitzer weapon. During the war, he participated in the following combats: Operations Against the Communist Forces, Operations MamaLuke Thrust, Operation Talladega Canyon, Operation Henderson Hill, and Operations Oklahoma Hills. Joseph was the recipient of the following awards during his service: Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Combat Action Ribbon, Rifle Marksmanship Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Joseph was the widower of Mary Lee (Byerly) Laudenslager who preceded him in death on August 8, 2015. Joseph and Mary married on November 29, 1969, and they resided in Pillow. They later moved to Gratz in 1973, where he lived most of his life in the home that his father and grandfather, Joseph Daniel, built. Together they had two children: daughter Audra Laudenslager Eyster, married to Troy Eyster, who are the parents of his grandchildren Lydia and Parker Eyster; son Brian Laudenslager, father to the first grandchild Brock Laudenslager (who preceded him in death on January 8, 2017), married Tanya Hepler, and are the parents of grandchildren Olivia (who preceded him in death on July 1, 2019) and Elise and Bryce. He is also survived by one great-grandson, Dylan Laudenslager, son of Brock. Joseph was a truck driver for most of his working career. He drove a truck for St. Johnsbury and retired from Roadway with a Million Miles Safe Driving Award. Joseph has been a member of Simeon United Lutheran Church and the Teamsters Union. He was also a lifetime member of The Gratz Fire Company and the VFW of Lykens, PA. Joseph was a hardworking man who provided well for his family. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children. He was a Pappy who loved seeing his grandchildren and great-grandson and was always sure to ask how all the kids were doing. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Sally Morgan, and two brothers: Dennis and Mike Laudenslager. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandson, as well as his siblings Steve Laudenslager of York, Tony Laudenslager of Etters, Robin Laudenslager of Steelton and Penny Klinger of Harrisburg. A visitation with family and friends will be held on May 25, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Simeon United Lutheran Church, Gratz. A memorial services will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in the Gratz Union Cemetery, Gratz. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Advantage Home Health and Hospice, 1502 Route 61, Hwy S, Pottsville, PA 17901.

Joseph Lee Laudenslager

April 11, 1948 - May 8, 2024