Joel K. Waltenbaugh, Jr. was born during the Great Blizzard of – 1951 at State College, PA to Joel K. Waltenbaugh, Sr. and Elizabeth Markwell Waltenbaugh. He was joined 22 months later by his brother, Mark Waltenbaugh and then his baby sister, Jann Waltenbaugh (Greene).
Joel spent his formative years, first in Delaware, then in Grifton, NC before landing in Madison, TN where fate brought him together with Katrina Lynn Apple at Madison High School. They graduated together in 1969. Joel was reluctantly sent to the University of Tennessee that fall, which he hated passionately.
He returned to Madison at the end of his freshman year and he and Katrina married in August, 1970. He attended Aquinas Jr College before the police bug bit him. Unlike many others, he never wanted to be a tough guy, he just wanted to help others and he did for 12 years.
Survivors include his wife of almost 55 years, Katrina. Also his children Adam Wade Waltenbaugh and wife, Kimberly, son Seth and wife, Emily, and daughter, Kara Knox and husband, Joe.
His grandchildren include Emma Waltenbaugh, Graham Waltenbaugh, Camilla Knox, Dean Waltenbaugh, and Callum Knox.
Joel is also survived by his much loved sister, Jann Waltenbaugh Greene and his brother, Mark Waltenbaugh of Tarentum, PA.
With his brilliant mind, and the impending arrival of their third child and only daughter, Katrina prodded Joel to return to school and study computer science. While working full time, he maintained a 4.0 GPA and graduated from Nashville State Technical College with dual degrees.
Joel next worked for various companies as first a programmer, then a Systems Analyst until his retirement. He came full circle when he worked for the Metro IT Department.
He also worked, completely voluntarily, running the sound department at the Madison Church of Christ for many years. In addition to putting in a minimum of 10 hours a week in this endeavor, he took vacation time to run the sound for funerals of close friends.
Joel and Katrina both retired in 2017 after building their current home in Hendersonville, TN. He loved their small community where they could walk freely with their beloved long-haired dachshund, Mulligan Jack and living on the corner, they sat on their front porch and enjoyed neighbors stopping by for a chat.
Joel was a natural athlete and played on many softball teams over the years, but his favorite sport was golf, and his best times were spent playing golf with his son, Seth.
The family wishes to thank the countless acts of kindness from our extended family, our incredible neighbors and the staff at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center. Katrina also wants to thank her writers’ group and the special people known only through FB, but who have become like family through this difficult journey. (Will and Jack among others)
If you feel led to do so, you may make contributions on Joel’s behalf to Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Home Street Home Ministries or any charity of your choice.
Events:
Visitation:
Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 3:00PM – 6:00PM
Madison Church of Christ
106 Gallatin Road North
Madison, TN 37115
Service:
Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 6:30PM – 7:30PM
Madison Church of Christ
106 Gallatin Road North
Madison, TN 37115
https://www.gardnermemorialchapelinc.com
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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