Joseph James Lacher
October 7, 1931 - December 13, 2010
Obituary
Age 79, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on December 13, 2010 surrounded by his family. Joe was born on October 7, 1931 in Seattle to Jack and Ruth Lacher. He was raised on Capitol Hill where he graduated from O’Dea High School. After serving in the Air Force, he flew with Pan American World Airways as a Flight Purser for 33 years and continued this role with United Airlines for 11 more years until his retirement in 1997.
Predeceased by his wife, Joan, and his brother, John. Survived by his children Jean Michael, Jolene, Steve, Jill Mark, Joe Joy, their mother former wife Karlene and stepsons Kevin Trish, Pat Brenda, Tim Carmella and Brian Nancy. Also survived by 15 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and many friends.
During his wife’s illness, Joe joined the Alzheimer’s support group at Providence Mount St. Vincent of West Seattle and continued his participation with that group after her death. In lieu of flowers we know Dad would appreciate a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
To aunt carlene,jean,jolene,steve,jill,and joseph,michele and i are sorry to hear of uncle joes passing.There is never a good time in ones passing,but with the holidays around the corner the gatherings will be filled with great stories.happy holidays.john,michele and the boys.
I am a united flight attendant, Joe and i flew many trips together out of San Francisco. We spent many hours talking about life experiences and drinking scotch. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Joe was well loved by all who knew him. His physical self may be gone, but his spirit will live on. He is unforgetable.
To Joe’s family,
Joe was a wonderful man. I flew with him at Pan Am and United Airlines and always enjoyed working with Joe. He was caring and fun and oh so proud of his family. I know he will be missed but always lovingly remembered.
I flew with Joe from 1959 – 1962 and also with Joan during that same time. He was such fun to be with and was always a good worker. I loved flying with both of them. I can still hear Joe laughing and yelling, “You big dumb nut” to anyone that “goofed” up on a flight! Thank you, dear Joe, for all the wonderful memories.
Sorry to read in the Times that you’re gone, Joe Remember the nickname Q Jack in HS? Joan too. I lived next door to the Stafford’s. God bless you, Joe. We had such a time growing up on Capitol Hill–St Joseph’s, otc.
I was sorry to hear of Joe’s final trip. He was a fun guy to fly with for many years.
My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Goodbye, Joe!
My sincerest condolences to the Lacher family. I was a Pan Am flight attendant based in Seattle from 1977-1980 and I flew with Joe on the London flights many many times. He was such a nice person and wonderful to work with. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
I knew Joe for 42 years-from that 1st year of flying-when,as a 20 year-old-he was kind of “scary”-a rough exterior but a marshmellow inside! I was very pleased to really get to know him since he moved to Des Moines and became my neighbor and “drinkin’ buddy at Anthonys. Actually it was more our social time and was only enhanced when Gloria Post started joining us. What Joe lacked in memory capability Gloria more than made up for. I was able to sit back and recall my youth-growing up in the Pan Am family! Lest you think Anthonys was my only influence, I also introduced Joe to the Mt. Rainier Pool and a crazy group of people who bat a beachball around! In 3 short months Joe so endeared himself to everyone that they were heartbroken when I told them about Joe’s death-all but Sara-29 and mentally disabled. She kept repeating over and over “Where’s Joe? I love Joe!” I told her he won’t be coming anymore, but he loved her very much. It made her smile.
My condolences to you all. I first met Joe at the Alzheimer’s Support Group at the Mount, and then I became the Social Worker for Joan, when she lived at the Mount. Everyone who knew Joe was fond of him. He had a great sense of humor and loved people, especially his famiy. I know the service tomorrow will be a good gathering of family and friends. If I didn’t have two other memorials tomorrow in the North End, I would be there! I will be with you in spirt, and some members from the Support Group will attend. I’m hoping he had his Mince Pie this past Thanksgiving! Take care. We will miss Joe. ~ Martha
I am sorry for your loss.
Your family is in my prayers
It was great seeing Joe at our last WW Int. meeting. It brought back so many wonderful memories. It was always fun flying with him. Please accept my condolences and you will be in my prayers.
To a wonderful human being, he was so good in the caring of my sister. I will miss his sense of humor and his always thinking of his family. He is with the love of his life now. Eternal peace and Merry Christmas to you both.
Knew Joe from working in Passenger Service both Seattle and later on Portland. He always had a big smile and a hearty Hello when we would meet, many times to exchange jokes. An alright guy and am proud to have known him.
I couldn’t ask for a better father-in-law. You are such a sweetheart! It was a joy to have you in my life. I will miss your hugs and you calling me “sweetheart.” You are a terrific man who gave good love. You always sent the kids birthday cards and took the time to show your love. I will miss your manly chuckle when the O’Neill boys gave you joking good guff. I will miss you stealing Brenda’s pinecones at Thanksgiving. Loafing on the couch watching football at Kevin & Trish’s house at Xmas. I will miss you throwing back brews with those fighting Irish. I know your in heaven with Mom Joan now looking over us all. I will never forget you! You touch my life and my heart will never be the same. I Love You!!!!!XOXOX! Save a spot at God’s table for us, until we meet again Dad. Not to close to God though..you now how rowdy the O’Neill’s can get.
Grandpa, May you rest in peace. You will never be forgotton. Avery said now mom, every Christmas we get to put up our tree and put all your ornaments on it. Love you forever and always. Love, Amy Lynn, Avery and Ronald. xoxoxoxo
Joe was a friend from the pool. I only Knew him a short time, but he was a favorite. It was a testiment to him that his pool friends who knew him only 4 months were so saddened at his death. We will miss him a lot. I am sorry for your loss and ours too. May God give you peace in this holiday season.
Dear Family,
Christ’s peace to each and all of you!
We were so very sorry to hear of the death of your dear father. What a beautiful and strong family unity is expressed in his obituary.
His deceased wife, Joan Stafford Lacher was a 1957 graduate of our Holy Names Academy. I remember Joan well. Her three sisters were, also,HNA graduates. Please know that all the family remain in our thoughts and prayers. May God’s infinite and merciful love sustain and console you all in the days ahead.
God bless each and all of you!
Sister Rosemary Perisich, snjm
Sister Ilene Clark, snjm and the community of Holy Names Academy.
Dear Family,
Christ’s peace to each and all of you!
We were so very sorry to hear of the death of your dear father. What a beautiful and strong family unity is expressed in his obituary.
His deceased wife, Joan Stafford Lacher was a 1957 graduate of our Holy Names Academy. I remember Joan well. Her three sisters were, also,HNA graduates. Please know that all the family remain in our thoughts and prayers. May God’s infinite and merciful love sustain and console you all in the days ahead.
God bless each and all of you!
Sister Rosemary Perisich, snjm
Sister Ilene Clark, snjm and the community of Holy Names Academy.
To the Lacher Family, may the memories of your father last an Eternity. You’ll be in my thoguhts and prayers.
Joe was always a smart and funny man to work with. Pan Am and his family and friends have lost a good man.
I have not seen Joe since I quit flying in 1975 but I remember him well. We always had a good time working when Joe was part of the crew. Joe’s family has lost a good man who gave so many good memories to so many.
..so glad Joe talked with us at the last World Wings meeting. He shared great memories.
Penny, Joe’s first Purser with Pan Am
Every trip with Joe as a fellow crewmember made the trip enjoyable for everyone. He was kind as well as funny and made the long hours shorter. The news that he would be sharing his PanAm stories as guest speaker at the last World Wings meeting brought in an overflow crowd. He lives on in the memories of his many friends. I feel fortunate to have known him.
My dear dad… You always knew how to “push my buttons”. I realize now that was your way of showing you loved me. I miss and love you….Jolene
Joe was more than just a friend and a colleague. He was also my mentor. At one time he sat down and told me I had better shape up… and even though I was mad and hurt with him at the time, I realized he was right. His advice became a guiding principle of my life. Thank you Joe! My condolences to all of you, his family. Joe will always be remembered with fondness and quite a few chuckles.