TRIBUTE TO JOE A. STASER
Joe was born into a farming family in Lyons, Indiana, on April 26, 1932, the third of four boys. He attended Michigan State University on a gymnastics scholarship, becoming the team's captain as well as the captain of the cheerleaders. He created Michigan State's first Sparty head mascot out of paper-mache and designed an award winning float for the 4-H club. He also sang in the Plymouth Congregational Church choir in Lansing, where he met a 15 year old by the name of Judy Reynolds. This was in 1951.

Upon graduation from MSU in 1954 he entered the U.S. Air Force and became a B-47 bomber pilot in the Strategic Air Command. After completing his active duty obligation, Joe took a job with General Motor's Oldsmobile Division as a Sales Promotion Specialist in Lansing, MI. He and Judy reconnected at Christmas in 1957 and were married in June, 1958.

Thirty-two years, eight cities, many church choirs, and a number of promotions later he retired from one career to continue in a second one -- the creation of J & J Antiques, enjoying 12 years of English travel buying antiques. After his second retirement he and Judy traveled extensively.

In 1999 Judy became a charter member of New Horizons Band - Dallas. In about 2007 Joe became the band's soloist for "God Bless America" and our National Anthem, which was played at almost every concert. He continued singing until Alzheimer's took his health to the point where he could no longer sing.

The couple raised three children and countless dogs, cats, and assorted creatures. Passionate about working with his hands, Joe constantly volunteered his talents if construction was involved. In his last 8 years he also began drawing abstract art work, some of which has been made into lovely note cards.

Joe passed on February 17, 2016. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife Judy, 3 children, David (Monica), Joy (Glenn) and Brian (Julie), 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.