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Joseph Bixby Jr.

Birth	:	25 Aug 1918 Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
Death	:	5 Feb 1987 Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
Burial	:	Geneva Cemetery, Geneva, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate	:	40.5359900, -97.6064900
Plot	:	Sec. 2 Lot 86 Plot 02
Description	:	BIXBY, JOSEPH JR.—Joseph Bixby Jr. was born to Dr. Joseph Bixby and Josephine Pangle Bixby on August 25, 1918, at Geneva, and passed away February 5, 1987, at Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva, at the age of 68 years, 5 months and 11 days. He was one of two children, having a younger brother, John Richard. Joe was baptized on April 20, 1919, and became a member of the Congregational Church of Geneva. On September 8, 1920, at the age of two, he was chosen the Grand Champion Baby Boy at the Nebraska State Fair. This accomplishment was legendary among... Read More	BIXBY, JOSEPH JR.—Joseph Bixby Jr. was born to Dr. Joseph Bixby and Josephine Pangle Bixby on August 25, 1918, at Geneva, and passed away February 5, 1987, at Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva, at the age of 68 years, 5 months and 11 days. He was one of two children, having a younger brother, John Richard. Joe was baptized on April 20, 1919, and became a member of the Congregational Church of Geneva. On September 8, 1920, at the age of two, he was chosen the Grand Champion Baby Boy at the Nebraska State Fair. This accomplishment was legendary among family and friends. Joe entered the Geneva Public School system on September 8, 1922, at the age of 4 years, 14 days. His mother noted, “You seemed like a baby, but a couple of months made a big difference in you. Mother didn’t want you to go, she missed you so.” Only a couple of years later Joe’s mother, Josephine Pangle died—July 3, 1925. From there on, Joe’s life is one of public record. There are many stories of Joe’s adventures during his youth, and if the truth be told, they are true. One of the best true stories is the sale of Joe’s brother, John for cookies at the local bakery. To Joe’s regret, the bakery later returned John to the family, but Joe did keep the cookies. Joe, as he always told it “Finally” graduated from Geneva High School in 1935. From then on until entering the military in 1942, Joe went to college, worked at various “odd jobs,” and became a private pilot. Joe earned the following decorations and citation while serving in the Air Corps as a tech/sergeant; two bronze stars, air medal with five clusters, and one overseas bar. He was honorably discharged on August 17, 1951. Joe married Glenna Melba Pikey of North Tonawanda, N.Y., Joe moved his wife out to the great Midwest and to meet his father, “Doc” for the first time later that year. Born to Joe and Melba was one son, Joseph Nathan, on April 6, 1950. Big Joe wasn’t home much for the first year of Little Joe’s life because of his military duties, which was partly why he held so dear the birth and early years of his five grandchildren. Joe worked in the insurance business one he left the Air Force up until his death. He also was a real estate agent, licensed appraiser and tax advisor. He continued working in all of these areas right up to the hour of his death. In the late 1960’s Joe and his “sold” brother, John, formed the Fillmore County Bank of Geneva and merged their individual insurance agencies into the Bixby Insurance Agency. Joe and brother, John sold the bank in the 1970’s but continued in the insurance agency. Joe retired from the agency in 1983, but continued “advising” them until his death. Joe lived on a farm south of Geneva from 1955 until 1980 when Joe and Melba moved to town and lived two doors down from Joe Nathan. On the farm Joe was not a farmer but was involved in raising prize-winning sheep and spending time in the outdoors, from moving to caring for the young trees he and his family planted. Joe’s activities throughout his life were activities that were for the help of his family and friends. Joe organized and ran a summer recreation program when little Joe needed one. Joe was a strong supporter of 4-H when Joe Nathan was involved, and so on. Joe was active in the community with Chamber, Lion’s Club, VFW, American legion, Masons, and the Country club. Joe was an avid Nebraska football fan, going to all home games, even to the point of attending right after his open heart surgery. Joe enjoyed football very much and watched it extensively on TV when he wasn’t at a Nebraska game. Another activity he enjoyed was reading, especially science fiction. All who knew Joe knew him as a counselor to all. Many people would stop and talk to Joe and listen to his advice. For Joe had a special gift of understanding and wisdom combined with a wonderful sense of humor. The last few years of his life were spent at a slower pace, allowing him time for daily visits with his grandchildren and time spent enjoying the company of his lifelong friends. As a youth, Joe helped his father, doc, with his surgeries and medical treatments, so Joe had a knowledge of medicine. With this knowledge Joe knew what was happening to himself, but he did not want anyone to worry, especially his wife and family. Joe’s death certificate will read “heart failure” but taking the words from doc’s obituary, “We believe he would have resented this diagnosis for Doc’s (Joe’s) heart really never did fail, but, as with all of us, there does come a time when one becomes tired, and so it came to him. He took his burden for a pillow and laid down to pleasant dreams.” Joe had a humor for life that nothing could stop—not even death. He brought laughter and joy to all who knew him with tales of life that all could enjoy. These tales and his humor have touched all who knew him and loved him. For death does not end the memory of Joe, but only makes it grow stronger in all of us. Joe was predeceased by his natural mother, Josephine Pangle Bixby, his father “Doc” Bixby, his step-mother, Edith Bixby and his brother, John Richard Bixby. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Melba; his son, Joseph Nathan and wife Debbie, their children (and Grandpa’s greatest joys after his son), Joseph Jonathan (J.J.), Angela Marie, Deanna Kay, Monica Sue and Paul Nathan (Joseph). Joe is also survived by his brother’s wife, Georgia Bixby; a nephew, John Sherman Bixby; a niece, Martha Battle and various cousins of his mother, Josephine Pangle Bixby. Funeral services were conducted from the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Geneva on Monday, February 9, with the Rev. Charles Schepel officiating. Music was provided by Evalyn Foster, who accompanied Charlotte Bumgarner, who sang “The Lord’s Prayer” and “Friends.” The congregation joined in singing “Amazing Grace.” The casket was draped with a United States flag. At the cemetery the flag was presented to the family by the American Legion and the VFW. The family then in turn presented the flag to the American legion for display in the American Legion’s display of flags at the Geneva cemetery. Pallbearers were Mack Brown, John Edgecombe Sr., Paul Emery, Bob Bailey, George Cruse and Gary Burk. Interment was in the Geneva cemetery. The Nebraska Signal 12 February 1987

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Joseph Bixby Jr.'s memorial?
Joseph Bixby Jr.'s memorial is located at: Geneva Cemetery, Geneva, Fillmore County, USA.
When did Joseph Bixby Jr. death?
Joseph Bixby Jr. death on 5 Feb 1987 in Geneva, Fillmore County, Nebraska, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Joseph Bixby Jr.'s memorial?
Latitude: 40.5359900
Longitude: -97.6064900

Family Members:

Parent

Dr Joseph Bixby

(1875 - 1948)

Josephine Pangle Bixby

(1891 - 1925)

Spouse

Glenna Melba “Melba” Pilkey Bixby

(1926 - 2011)

Siblings

John Richard Bixby

(1924 - 1985)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Geneva Cemetery
Geneva, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5359900, -97.6064900

2. Saint Josephs Cemetery
Geneva, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5184200, -97.6145000

3. Fairmont Cemetery
Fairmont, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6267014, -97.5674973

4. Zion Lutheran Cemetery
Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4668999, -97.7097015

5. Chelsea Cemetery
Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4808006, -97.4882965

6. Fairmont Catholic Cemetery
Fairmont, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6394005, -97.5689011

7. Saint Marys Cemetery
Shickley, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4816700, -97.7295400

8. Holy Cross Cemetery
Grafton, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6150017, -97.7108002

9. Grafton Cemetery
Grafton, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6157990, -97.7106018

10. Shickley Cemetery
Shickley, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4166985, -97.7082977

11. Glengary Pioneer Cemetery
Ohiowa, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4518100, -97.4544100

12. Salem Cemetery
Shickley, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3945000, -97.6733000

13. Bohemian Brethren Cemetery
Milligan, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5098300, -97.4058300

14. Roe Cemetery
Fairmont, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6912000, -97.5955000

15. Harmony Cemetery
Strang, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3788986, -97.5381012

16. Fairview Cemetery
Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4817009, -97.8133011

17. Ohiowa Cemetery
Ohiowa, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4235992, -97.4428024

18. Exeter Cemetery
Exeter, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6521988, -97.4364014

19. Horton Cemetery
Exeter, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.6911011, -97.5025024

20. Bohemian National Cemetery
Milligan, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4818993, -97.3878021

21. Saint Johns Lutheran Church Cemetery North
Ohiowa, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4213982, -97.4253006

22. Kasak Cemetery
Friend, Saline County, USA
Coordinate: 40.5393000, -97.3683000

23. Stockholm Lutheran Cemetery
Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.4091988, -97.7767029

24. Summit Cemetery
Shickley, Fillmore County, USA
Coordinate: 40.3656006, -97.6913986