Joseph Carl Abendschan was born on July 14, 1942, to Jacob Henry and Nora May (Bear) Abendschan in Colorado Springs. He graduated from Longmont High School in 1960 and joined the United States Marine Corp artillery division, achieving the rank of Corporal and being awarded the Good Conduct Medal and a sharp-shooting badge for M14.

He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Lynda Paulette Humrich, on November 24, 1961, in Longmont. He then deployed as a U.S. Marine to Okinawa, Japan.

He retired from IBM after almost 40 years of dedication.

His volunteering exertions included service to the Longmont JayCee’s, Longmont Community Watch, High Plains Enduros Club as president and founder, Pawnee National Grasslands and the JM Post American Legion/ VFW.

He passed away peacefully in his home on Christmas Eve 2023, surrounded by his loving family, as he wanted.

He is survived by his lovely wife, Lynda (Humrich) Abendschan, of Johnstown; his son, Scot, of Gulf Shores, Alabama; daughter, Michelle, of Johnstown; grandson, Justin O’Harrow, of Wisconsin; Joshua Lowenguth, of Loveland; Nichole O’Harrow, of Prague; Darienne Pearcy and husband Alex, of Johnstown; Olivia Foster, of Fort Collins; five delightful great-grandchildren; and friends around the world.