Joseph M. Schoffstall

Joseph Michael Schoffstall Sr. died February 8, 2025, in Davenport, Iowa, a week after his 86-th birthday. 

He passed away at home surrounded by his wife Namiko, daughter Linda Schoffstall Pauley, son Joseph M. Schoffstall Jr., and granddaughter Jessie Jo Pauley. 

Joseph was born in the tiny, coal mining town of Pottsville, Pennsylvania on February 1, 1939. 

After he graduated high school, he enlisted with the U.S. Army. He wanted to make a contribution to his country and see the world…..and that he did, serving in Vietnam, Korea, Germany, across America, and Okinawa, Japan where he met the love of his life, Namiko Aka. They were together almost 60-years. He was holding his beloved wife’s hand and gazing into her chocolate, brown eyes when he took his last breath. 

Together, Joseph and Namiko created a family and built a life of love while stationed on military bases across 3-continents before settling in the Quad Cities. After serving almost 25-years in the military, this decorated Army veteran went on to work at TACOM on Rock Island Arsenal, providing support for the M1 Abrams battle tank. He retired in October of 2008 after another 25-years. 

For fun, Joe read Louis L’Amour western novels, practiced archery and built model airplanes. When his children were little, he liked to take his son Joe Jr. to the park to fly kites and launch model rockets. He spent a lot of weekends under the hood of his 1970 blue Plymouth Duster. He had that car for over 30-years and taught Linda and Joe how to drive in it. 

As a dad, he was the best teacher. Side by side, he taught his daughter Linda how to cook their favorite meal, spaghetti, from scratch when she was 10-years-old. He passed along his love of cooking to both kids. He was so proud to cook the entire Thanksgiving dinner for his family……and who could forget his SOS recipe from his Army days? (If you know, you know.) 

You could always count on Joe to have a stash of Reese’s peanut butter cups. He loved making sundaes with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and crushed peanuts. 

On a more serious note, Joe taught his son, daughter, and grandkids to do the best they can in life and to be proud of their own efforts. He stressed the importance of independence and self-reliance, to do something for your OWN satisfaction and to not always crave validation from others. He was a man ahead of his time. 

Anyone who knew Joe understood he was a fierce protector of his wife, family, friends, and country. He was a quiet, honest man, a loving husband, supportive father, giving Grandpa, and a brave patriot. 

Joseph is survived by his wife, Namiko; daughter, Linda Schoffstall Pauley of Phoenix, Arizona; son, Joseph M. Schoffstall Jr. of Chicago; and four grandchildren. Linda is married to Douglas Pauley and they have two children; Jessie Jo Pauley (NYC) and Nicholas Joe Pauley of Tempe, AZ. His son Joseph Jr. is married to Heidi Buehler and they have two daughters Gabby (OK) and Jessie. (FL) 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Elsie Schoffstall. 

Medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal (8th Awd.), Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Expert Qualification Badge (M-16), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3) 

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com. 

Since Joseph Schoffstall was the strong, silent type, it was his wish to quietly be put to rest. Cremation took place at Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. We sincerely thank Reid Trimble for his kindness and thoughtful guidance to the Schoffstall family.