Joseph Armstrong

(Sept. 3, 1925 - Aug. 27, 2013)

Joseph Armstrong, 87, of Frannie, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, at Powell Valley Hospital.

Joe was born on Sept. 3, 1925, in Springwells, Mich., to George and Sarah Armstrong. He was the youngest of six children and had five sisters: Helen, Mary, Martha, Ann and Eva.

Joe served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. During that time, he was stationed in Greenland and later would serve in the Korean War.

During his military furlough, Joe met his future wife, Mildred “Millie” Willis, on a blind date. From that first date, their friendship grew and they were married on Sept. 8, 1951.

Shortly after their marriage, Joe was sent overseas for the Korean War. Because of his commitment and service to his nation, Joe received the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star-United Nations Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 12, 1952.

Joe spent more than half of his life in Michigan. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for various companies. He was one of the top five heavy equipment operators in Michigan. Millie always had a lifelong dream of moving to Wyoming. In 1980, Joe made that a reality for his wife and they moved to Frannie to make their home.

While in Wyoming, Joe worked as a night watchman and a drum filter operator at Western Sugar in Lovell. He also did carpentry work for various people.

Joe enjoyed camping in the Big Horn Mountains with his family and friends. He loved and had a talent in building and remodeling houses and businesses. Some of the businesses he built and remodeled include the Frannie Tack Shop and the old Frannie Store. He did various other barns and shops and helped his daughter and son-in-law build their house in 2002.

He led an active and healthy life, staying on the go and helping others. Family and friends will always remember Joe by the phrase, “I’m gonna take a work and ...” Always a constant companion by his side was his beloved and faithful dog, Buckwheat.  

Joe was a member of Lovell Assembly of God Church. Joe had a strong faith in God, and was a Christian most of his life. He didn’t believe things just happened, but that God’s hand was in everything.  

Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years Millie of Frannie; children Michial (Jody) Armstrong, of Harrison, Mich., Kathleen (John) Gedney of Frannie, Sherri Jolley of Lovell and Joseph (Trina) Armstrong of Gladwin, Mich.; grandchildren Jason (Kelly) Gedney of Powell, Kallie (Scottie) Ayotte of Lovell, Joshua (Stephanie) and Amanda Armstrong of Gladwin, Kolt (Sharae) Bischoff of Lovell, Danielle Armstrong of Belleville, Mich., Tyrel Harrison of Lovell, and Jordan and Kayla Armstrong of Gladwin; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings Helen, Eva and Ann; numerous nieces and nephews; and close family friend, Mark Wardell of Lovell, Wyo.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, George and Sarah Armstrong; and siblings Martha and Mary.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. at Lovell Assembly of God, 320 Idaho Avenue, Lovell. Pastor Dan Jarvis will officiate the service. Graveside service and interment will be at Deaver Cemetery in Deaver.

Haskell’s Funeral Home of Lovell is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials can be made to Lovell Assembly of God, 320 Idaho Avenue, Lovell, WY, 82431.