Joseph Anthony Wiederkehr

Joseph Anthony Wiederkehr, Age 100, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 12, 1924, in Altus, Arkansas to Henry and Marion Wiederkehr. He married the love of his life, Imogene, on November 20, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri. They were married for 73 wonderful years before Imogene passed on February 22, 2020. They moved to Independence, Missouri in 1948 and settled into their lifelong home where they raised three beautiful daughters. 

In 1943, Joe enlisted in the Army and fought in World War II. Joe was honorably discharged in 1945. He was a Tech 5 in the 158 Combat Engineers Battalion and received five Bronze Stars. He fought in Normandy at Omaha Beach in the second wave and Bastogne.

In 1948, Joe started his union roofing career with Kansas City Roofing Co. In 1957, he became a Business Agent for Roofers Local 20. In 1968, he became Business Manager of Local 20. He was instrumental in getting insurance and a pension fund started for the members. He served as Vice President of the Building and Construction Trades Council, President of the Labor’s Educational and Political Independent, and Vice President of the North Central States District Council during his time as Business Manager. In 1978, Joe played a major role in getting the “Right to Work” law repealed in Missouri. He was named Labor Man of the Year in 1984. In 1970, Joe became an International Vice President and for a short time in 1985, he was the International President for the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers. After stepping down as President, he remained a Vice President and moved back to Independence to resume his position as Business Manager of Local 20. Joe stepped down in 1990 as the Business Manager of Local 20 and as a Vice President of the International. He remained on as a Trustee on the NRIPP until 2006. 

Joe was an avid gardener, and he also enjoyed reading, woodworking, tinkering in his shop creating his many inventions, and spending time with his family. 

Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife Imogene, his parents Henry and Marion Wiederkehr, his brothers Raymond and Basil Wiederkehr, his sisters, Dorothy Alice, Henrietta Ann, and Sister Macrina Wiederkehr, as well as a great granddaughter Tahnee Mara Baum and a great-great granddaughter Nathanelly Greathouse. He is survived by Three daughters JoAnn Moreno (John) of Independence, MO, Barbara Crain (Bernie) of Raymore, MO. and Donna Goodno (Terry) of Dover, Arkansas. 12 Grandchildren: Christina King (Kevin) Independence, MO, John Bonifacio Moreno Kansas City, MO, Joseph Moreno (Amy) Blue Springs, MO, Jennifer Leighton-Floyd (Ed) Independence, MO, Mateo Moreno Independence, MO, Anna Ogilvie (Zac) Kansas City, MO, Bryce Crain (Michele) Raymore, MO, Melissa Baum Raymore, MO, Michelle Crain Punta Gorda, FL., Donavon Goodno Madill, OK, Kevin Goodno (Mayra) Russellville, AR. and Amber Goodno Dover, AR., 17 Great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Two sisters, Edna May O'Neill, Conroe, TX., and Mary Lou Bennett Newport Beach, CA. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

 Visitation will be Tuesday November 19, 2024, from 5-8pm at Carson Speaks Chapel 1501 Lexington Ave. Independence, MO 64052 with rosary at 5pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church, 3736 S. Lee’s Summit Rd. Independence, MO 64055 on Wednesday November 20, 2024, at 10 am. With cremation following service. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Working Families Friend at www.wffriends.org. 816-842-5600.