Joel Datisman 1919-2009

DATISMAN, SPECHT

Posted By: j.n. (email)
Date: 5/21/2009 at 16:04:43

SHERRILL, Iowa -- Joel Datisman, 90, of rural Sherrill, died Friday, May 15, 2009, at home.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, at United Methodist Church, Sherrill. Burial will be in the Sherrill Methodist Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road.

He was born on March 5, 1919, in Sherrill, son of
Edward and Pauline (Specht) Datisman. Joel was a very humble man and yet he had an inner strength that exceeded the power of many.

He lived and died in the place he loved the most, the house where he was born in 1919, the land he farmed with utmost care, and the livestock he tended to produce high-grade meat and wool.

His grandfather, Gotlieb Datisman, who had come from Germany with his parents when he was perhaps

* or 4 years of age, bought the land where Joel lived. There, Gotlieb and Cunigunde raised their family of four sons and four daughters. Joel inherited the land from his father, Edward, the oldest son.

So many people owe their well-being to Edward and Pauline. Their son continued helping others all his life.

Beside being a Farm Bureau member, Joel was one of the staunch supporters of the Sherrill United Methodist Church.

When plans were under consideration in 1959 for adding the Fellowship Hall to the 1894 sanctuary, complaints circulated that the cost would be too high. Joel countered with words that the original plans should be followed so the building would be "adequate" and they were.

This man is like a bright shining star in the firmament. Who can measure his strength?

Surviving are two first cousins; a Godchild; and many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed Datisman and Pauline (Specht) Datisman.

A Joel Datisman Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences may be sent to obits@egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Hospice of Dubuque for their care during Joel's final week.