Emanuel “Joe” Henry Templien age 82, of Lincoln formerly of North Platte, passed away February 14, 2016 at UNMC in Omaha. He was born September 8, 1933 in Kulm, North Dakota on his family farm to Gottfried “Fred” Templien and Hedwig “Hattie” (Gall) Templien. Joe was baptized on March 11, 1934 at the Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul’s church in Kulm, ND and confirmed on July 11, 1948 at the Martin-Luther Lutheran Church at Fredonia, ND.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1959, including a tour of Germany during 1956-1959 before retiring as an E5. After leaving the military, he married his devoted wife of 54 years, Janice Hartman on September 15, 1961. They met at a Valentine’s dance 7 months before in Berlin, ND.
He ran a welding and repair shop in Edgeley, ND before going on to North Dakota State College of Science, receiving a degree in welding and drafting then working at a local manufacturing company. Joe received his teaching certificate from Kearney State College. He then moved to North Platte, NE in 1972 where he was the welding and machine shop instructor and department head at Mid-Plains Community College from 1972 until he retired in 1999. He touched the lives of many students during that time and was excited to stay in touch with students and watch their success.
Joe and Jan moved to an acreage in Hershey, NE in 1995 where they kept busy by caring for their farm and herd of miniature horses and several other critters. They spent quite a bit of time there teaching their grandchildren about the simpler things in life.
Joe had a great sense of humor and enjoyed hunting, fishing, doing puzzles, and giving the grandchildren horseback rides around the farm led by him on the lawn mower. He previously served on the board of Guiding Star Girl Scout Council and was a former church council member at Messiah Lutheran Church in North Platte
He recently moved to Lincoln, NE to be closer to family.
Preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Carl Templien.
Survived by his wife, Janice Templien, daughter, Wanda Caffrey (Martin), son, Kent Templien (Juli), daughter, Carla Dawson (Joe); and grandchildren Brian Templien, Trisha Ullman (Doug Ullman), Heather Garbers (Trevor Garbers), Amanda Caffrey (Ira Olsen, partner), Marla Dawson, Marissa Caffrey, Jolene Dawson, Mia Templien, Brooklyn Templien, and Melanie Marsh.
Services will be Saturday, February 20th at 10 a.m. at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Visitation is Friday, February 19th from 3 to 8 pm with family greeting friends from 7 to 8 pm. Memorials to Girl Scout Lakeview Cabin North Platte, NE or Callahan Cancer Center North Platte, NE.
So sorry to hear of your loss. May he rest in peace.Been a long time I seen any of you but still think about your families. Prayers to all at this time of sorrow.
Carla, Joe, Marla & Jolene and the rest of the Templien family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Jan and family. So sorry to hear about our friend Joe. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sorry to hear of your loss. May the angels be with you today.
My prayers and sympathy are with you. Joe was an outstanding instructor and friend to my late husband.
Joe was a good man. It was a pleasure to know him. Cliff and Ruth Hermance.
We were sorry to hear about Joe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My deepest sympathy to Janice and family from an Edgeley friend. Life is so short and the fact that we don’t live(Wayne) that far from each other. May God’s comfort and mercy be a blessing to you. The past year has been filled with grief within your family. May your loved ones always remain only a memory away in your heart. May His presence and care fill you.