Memorial to Joe Pleggenkuhle

Joe Alfred Pleggenkuhle, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Carefree, AZ, on January 11, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on a farm in Bremer County, IA, on May 11, 1938, he was the cherished son of Alfred and Erma Pleggenkuhle.

In March 1961 Joe joined the Air Force, and on August 15, while on leave, married Margie, the love of his life. After training in San Antonio, TX, he was stationed in Taiwan and later was assigned to Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in South Carolina, until his discharge in 1965.

After leaving the military, Joe and family returned to Iowa, where he completed a computer training program in Ottumwa, IA, was hired by GE and moved his family to Phoenix, AZ, in May 1966 where he began a long career in computer technology.

Joe enjoyed a wide range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, exploring, rock hounding, and searching for Crested Saguaros. His passion for nature and adventure extended to his role as a dedicated volunteer with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Desert Search and Rescue Unit. After retiring they built their new home in Carefree, AZ.

Joe is survived by his wife, Margie, daughters, Julie (Brian) Hoyman and Tammy (David) Seymour; 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Ruth (Leon) Klotz and Jane Schmidtke; brothers Paul (LaVonne) Pleggenkuhle and Roger Pleggenkuhle.

He was preceded in death by great-grandchild Ethan Seymour; his parents, Alfred and Erma; infant sister, Shirley Ann and sister-in-law, Margo (Roger) Pleggenkuhle.


Joe-Bob-Rex
Photo courtesy of Ted Codding
Joe-Rex-Pat-Bob
Photo courtesy of Ted Codding
Margie and Joe Pleggenkuhle
Photo courtesy of Phil Kozol
"CSS098" double crest - Joe P. first crested saguaro in the wild - Spring 2005
Photo courtesy of Joe Pleggenkuhle
Joe P. and Big Bubba Champion Saguaro - 1/14/2006
Photos courtesy of Ted Codding

Two Champions in one photo: Joe P. and the "Grand One" champion saguaro - 5/26/2007
Photos courtesy of Ted Codding

Bob Cardell and Joe P. with the "Grand One" champion saguaro

Joe P. living dangerously - 6/2/2007
Photos courtesy of Ted Codding
Joe P., Pat and Bob - 11/28/2009
Photo courtesy of Ted Codding
Joe P. measuring "Neptune's Trident" crested saguaro - 9/16/2011
Photo courtesy of Joe Orman
Joe P. with saguaro shedding its skin - 9/25/2011
Photo courtesy of Joe Orman
Joe P. with "CSS221 - Stubbs" crested saguaro - 12/30/2011
Photo courtesy of Joe Orman
Joe P. with "Over and Under" arm crest - 1/8/2012
Photo courtesy of Joe Orman
Joe P. with giant barrel cactus - 2/24/2013
Photo courtesy of Joe Orman
Joe P. with "Somebody Left the Gate Open" crested saguaro - 10/25/2013
Photo courtesy of Joe Orman