Joseph M. Hengstler, 79, of Richmond, passed away at home on Thursday, October 7, 2021.

He was born in Richmond on January 30, 1942 to Joseph Martin & Allien Cora Chase Hengstler. He worked at Johns-Manville as a journeyman electrician, retiring in 2004 after 42 years of service. He started his own business, Joseph Electric, after retirement. He formerly served as a Reserve Deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. Joe loved vacations, especially to the mountains of Gatlinburg and the ocean around Myrtle Beach. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Richmond and had recently been attending Lifespring Church.

One of Joe’s biggest accomplishments was clearing his own land and building his own home, where he resided until his death.

Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sheryl Ogborn Hengstler; son, Tim (Pam) Hengstler; daughters, Terri (Eddie) Barnes, Tricia (Keith) Webster and Tracey (Tod Roberts) Hengstler; beloved grandchildren, Ryan (Blythe) McCann, Adam Hengstler, Joseph Chesnut, Sara Hengstler, Audrey (Dan) Cyr, Charlie (Mackenzie) Webster, Zachery Chesnut; beloved great-grandchildren, Jaden, Alyssa, Tyler, Rylan, Olivia, Juniper, Henry and Maddie; sisters, Merlien Farmer and Patricia Desonie; and several nieces and nephews. His canine pal, “Buddy”, also survives.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, son, Steven Hengstler; sisters, April Davis, Allien McDaniel and Waneta Chiera; brother, Harry Hengstler.

Public visitation for Joe will be from 11:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 11, at the Smith-McQuiston & Webster Funeral Home, 321 US 27 South, Fountain City. A funeral ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by interment in Lutherania Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Animal Care Alliance, 1353 Abington Pike, Richmond, IN 47374 or HELP The Animals, 2101 West Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithmcquistonwebster.com .