Joseph Michael Luther, a one-of-a-kind life enthusiast, passed away after a long battle with cancer on July 19 peacefully at his home, accordng to an obituary provided to RVBusiness.
Joe was born in South Bend, Ind., on June 11, 1968, to Larry Luther Sr. and Josephine (Bratina) Luther, his father preceded him in death while his mother remains with us. He also has three siblings, Edmond Luther (Missy), Kathy Neispodziany (Russ Barth), Larry Luther Jr. (Marlene) all living and reside locally.
Joe was committed to family and worked hard to make sure everyone remained connected with hosting scores of family events. He is survived by six daughters, Abigail Luther, Pascal Luther (Colt Barton), Kelsey Fotopoulos (Niko), Kayla Vandevoorde (Blake), Katie Nestico, Madison Spencer (Noah) and many nieces and nephews, Stephanie Luther, Jessica Arseneau (Brandon), Haley Luther, Eddy Luther, Tyler Neispodziany, Nicole Wilson, Nate Neispodziany, Katie Luther and Luke Luther.
Joe met the love of life in Michele Chambers Luther and wed her on February 7, 2022. Michele was perfectly equipped to handle all aspects of Joe’s life and personality. She is a nurse, which was a blessing as she provided Joe with many more years on earth due to her pragmatic and disciplined approach in helping Joe manage his health challenges. But she was more than that, Michele loved Joe blissfully and together they found happiness. She was a true-life partner.
Joe graduated from Penn High School in 1986; he then attended Ball State University and earned an associate degree. In 1989 he left college as he was offered an opportunity with the Gallo Winery to enter their blue-chip program. Joe flourished in the wine industry and held several key positions and received numerous promotions while handling the Detroit and Indianapolis markets in the beverage industry. He would later feel the need to finish what he had started academically and he got his bachelor’s degree from Bethel College in 2004 at the age of 36 years old. An achievement that meant a lot to him.
Joe loved sports, an avid fan of the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, Indiana University football, Notre Dame football, the Indianapolis 500 and any other major sporting event that was happening. He was the master at striking up conversations with anyone, anywhere to discuss who was going to win the championship that year. He always found the common denominator between him and whomever he was talking.
Joe was the best networker of all time. During any travel time, down time or leisure time, he was always on the phone reaching out to old friends and acquaintances to keep in touch. You could find yourself in a phone conversation with Joe as he drove across west Texas at 11oclock at night. He loved to talk; he loved to stay connected.
Joe built an incredible reputation in the RV industry as one of the hardest-working, most truth-worthy and effective Sales Managers in the business. He took pride in leading by example, he would often say, “act like you been there,” whenever he had a successful transaction. He started his RV career in 1996 with Gulf Stream Coach and became a National Sales Manager. He then worked for Forest River’s Prime Time division and for the last 10 years he has worked for THOR Industries’ Keystone division in the Montana product line, retiring in April. Proving out his theory of being hardworking. Many dealers consider Joe to be a good friend.
Joe lived a full life. He had created a great many friendships. He had a loving family throughout his life. As you reflect on Joe and his connection with you, he wants to you have a big smile, provide those around you with strong hugs, give big kisses and only shed happy tears.
We will be gathering at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend Indiana 46628 for a memorial service at a time to be determined.
