Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Joseph Lewis Mettler Memorial
Joseph Lewis Mettler Memorial

Joseph Lewis Mettler

Joseph Lewis Mettler

Tuesday, November 15th, 2016

 

Joseph Lewis Mettler, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, surrounded by his family. Joe was born on May 22, 1945 to Joseph and Clara (Kepper) Mettler in Morton, Washington.

Joe attended school in Morton, Concrete and Snoqualmie, Washington until he graduated from Mount Si High School in 1963.

At the age of 17, Joe and his younger brother Jack followed their father in the tradition of ‘Trailer Backing’ at the Morton Loggers Jubilee. He backed a log truck and trailer in a figure 8 around spar trees. He competed for a few years until he moved to SE Alaska. Jack continued the family tradition for 50 years.mettler-joseph-military

Right out of High School, Joe worked as a “powder monkey” on the John Day Dam. Joe moved to SE Alaska where he worked various jobs such as logging, road construction, and Diesel Mechanic. He also worked on the Alaska Pipeline. In 1990, he moved to the Skagit Valley, where he worked as a project supervisor at Lakeside Industries, later starting his own business, Mettler and Sons Trucking.

Joe was a member of the Operating Engineers #302, Elks Club, Eagles and Moose Club. He served on the Sitka Police and Fire Commission, was a member of the Sitka Cemetery Board and the Chamber of Commerce. He paved most of the airports in SE Alaska and most of the roads in Sitka.

Joe served in the Navy during the Vietnam War as a Boat Captain on PBR 130, 1967 – 1969. He served with Honor and Distinction. In 2011 he reconnected with most of members of his boat crew and joined the Game Wardens Association, helping to refurbish the boats they had www.buy-trusted-tablets.com served on during the war.
During Joe’s years in Ketchikan, his daughter Dawn was born. Joe moved to Sitka where he met Jodi Whitson. They were married and blended their families in 1975 at the Morton Logger’s Jubilee.

Joe never met a stranger and he was always the fun one in the room. He was a wonderful dancer and he loved to sing, but always added his own words to the songs. Joe loved to travel and brought joy to every journey. Above all, Joe loved his family and friends.

Joe is survived by his wife, Jodi Mettler of Burlington, Washington; daughters, Brenda Andersen (Jim) of Juneau, Alaska, Dawn Mettler of Camano Island, WA and Katie Pickrell (Mike) of Big Lake, WA; son, Steven Mettler (Angela Filler) of Bend, Oregon; granddaughters, Kara White of Cordova, AK and Kayla DePriest (Jesse Vaughn) of Juneau, AK; grandsons, James Andersen of Burlington, WA, Tyler Vitalich (Harlee) of Mount Vernon, WA, Hunter Jones of Bend, OR, and Dawson Bellows of Camano Island, WA; great-grandsons, Gunnar DePriest of Juneau, AK, Keyton Vitalich of Mount Vernon, WA and Kasen Vaughn of Juneau, AK; brother, Jack Mettler (Pam); mother-in-law, Bobbie Whitson and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Washington, Alaska and Arizona. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph L. Sr, and Clara (Kepper) Mettler.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Mount Vernon Cemetery, 1200 East Fir Street, Mount Vernon, Washington. Immediately following the services, a reception will be held at Hillcrest Park Lodge, 1717 South 13th Street in Mount Vernon. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made in Joe’s name to: Patrol Boat River (PBR) Fund Game Wardens, Assoc., PO Box 970, Sumner, Washington 98390.

Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Please share memories of Joe and sign the online guest register.

Guestbook

  • Jodi Mettler

    Every time I see the picture of you in that blue jacket I just want you back.

  • Ed and Kathy Stahla

    Today out best friend was laid to rest. We couldn’t be there due to illness, but Joe has been on our minds. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jodi and family.
    We had many good times. One time while hunting, Joe would relates where a “gook” would be hiding in ambush, sometimes Joe said they would tie the enemy high in a tree as though he was ready to fire, but the person was already dead and as soon as a shot was fired, the whole area would erupt with rifle fire. Joe survived many ambushes. Joe talked about “agent orange” and “defoliation by plane”‘ at times very close.
    We boated together, set King and Dungeness pots together, cooked them on the beach, did a lot of deer hunting, and built our respective houses together. Joe was an “expert” with plumbing and was always in a hurry. Joe helped by soldering all joints in our “green room” base board heating. Joe announced the joints in the 24’x24’ room were done and to turn on the water. We had many leaks and started over. The second time around there were no leaks. We laughed a lot. Good thing the “green room” was over the garage.
    Joe talked about the patrol he used to operate on the rivers. I admired Joe for his courage, bravery, and good judgment. Joe was a peace maker when trouble brewed.
    We saw each other through good and bad. We raised our kids together. We will miss Joe.

  • Wanda Kenney

    Joe was a great asset in so many lives, his family, friends & those he touched could never forget this kind fun man and his family.

  • Kathie McClimans

    So many fond memories of Joe. He was the best darn Tilton Time neighbor and always was there to help me with projects I wanted to do at the river. His laugh and sense of humor still bring a smile. The 41 years of marriage to Jodi is a testament to what love means. Joe my you be free of earthly pain & Rest In Peace. I will miss you forever.

  • Richard vennetti

    Last year i re-met Joe mettler he came up to be the foreman on the Edgecomb Drive project in Sitka, best damn man I ever met had coffee with him every morning at SeaMart he would complain about his back and I said God damn it Joe quit lifting those Rings will get the laybors to do it but he did it anyway he was a hell of a man and I’ll miss him dearly. VENNETTI OUT.

  • Doug and Cindy Syevens

    So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was always nice to us. God bless you at this time. Our prayers are with you and yours.

  • Deana and Greg Michael

    We met Joe just a few years ago and are saddened by his passing. He always had a smile on his face and was so much fun. He will be so missed. Thinking of all of his family and praying for you❤️❤️

  • Sidney & Jean DeBoer

    We sure do miss you and think of you as we drive past in the neighborhood several times a day. As fellow believers we are thankful for your faith and will continue to pray for your family.

  • Shelly Whitson

    Joe was the “best of the best”. The best brother in law and uncle to our children and their children. Everyone adored him and his love for family was first and foremost. He will be sorely missed. He will forever have a special place in all our hearts. ?

  • John Kay Harrison

    Joe you entertained us with your many stories and adventures, you kept us laughing even during trying times. But the best thing you did was the love you bestowed on your family and friends. Life will be a little duller without you. We miss you already. John and Kay

  • Kim and Lanette Walters

    Joe was a classmate from 1st grade to 8th grade in Morton. Then he moved away. In 2003 the Morton class of 63 had their 40 reunion and invited everyone that was in their class over the years. My 40th class reunion is when I got back in touch with Joe and stayed in touch since them. So many memories talking about old times, school reunions, camp ground visits, Joe’s comments on pictures I posted on Facebook and the photos Joe and his wife Jodi sent back from their trips titled Geezers on Wheels. Lanette enjoyed your many pictures too. We will both miss you . You were my classmate from long ago and a friend. RIP old friend.

  • Sandi Washington

    Jack, Pam and Joe’s wife and family, such a hard time for all of you! Remember all the good times with Joe. He will always be in your hearts!

  • Anne Wood

    We never had the chance to meet but I feel like we’ve been friends for years. Knowing you were there with my dad when his boat was hit in Vietnam makes me feel good, knowing he wasn’t alone. I regret that we were never able to meet, and I will continue to think of you every day and hope you are up in heaven with my dad, watching over your families. Rest in Peace.

  • Sherrie Iund Bond

    When I think of the Mettler Boys, I think of baseball … they were fabulous to say the least.
    I’m sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Blessings to his family members. He was a remarkable guy.
    Peace be with you

  • Sharon & John Heim

    Joe was an awesome guy and will be missed by many! Love to Jodi and family, May God comfort you in your time of Loss.

  • Gloria Zepp Truitt

    To Jack and the Family; my brother Frank, sister, Helen and I lived in Morton and we spent a lot of time with Joe and Jack, just down the road. Our dad Hal worked for their dad Joe Sr. driving logtruck. Joe Sr. Was the reason we moved to Alaska in 1957. I have thought of those days at times and wondered where everyone was. Blessings on the family at this time. I will be praying for all of you. Gloria

  • Jerry matthews

    Thank you uncle joe for being a pillar of are family. You will be missed