Joseph Patrick Kammerer
January 2, 1959 - June 19, 2019
Joseph Patrick Kammerer was born in San Bernadino California to Bernard Kammerer and Joan Mullen. He was raised in Campbell, CA where he graduated (luckily, because he was a bit of a hellion in his teen years!) from Westmont High School. Coming from an aquatic family, Joe was always in the water, first swimming, then springboard diving. He attended De Anza Community College where he honed his diving skills, leading him to a diving scholarship at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. Joe was a great contribution to their team not only with his commitment to the sport, but his love for his teammates and positive, caring attitude toward all. Joe earned his Civil Engineering degree from the “U” and participated in the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) Rotational Internship in Engineering program and from that experienced was hooked; he worked for UDOT (with a couple of short stints at private firms in between) for the duration of his career. Joe finished his career with UDOT as the Project Manager over the Mountain View Corridor (MVC) and took tremendous pride in his team building, fairness, emphasis on safety, and integrity in every aspect of this important work. Joe considered his MVC team and all his colleagues at UDOT his family.
While at the “U”, Joe met the love of his life, Roxanne Larrabee, and married her in November 1984. He became the proud parent of Hannah Marie Kammerer in 1991 and Audrey Ann Kammerer in 1993. The greatest dad on the planet is an understatement. His passion for fitness, the outdoors, competitive cycling (he completed 11 consecutive LOTOJA races – google it if you don’t know how grueling this one is!), his organic garden, and beekeeping were second only to his love for his daughters. Joe taught them personal inner strength, not to let anyone push them around because they are women, nor to limit themselves in what they can do in this world for the same reason. Joe was the most patient father in conversation; problem solving, car maintenance, boys, bees…whatever the topic, Joe was a careful listener. He taught his family to be the same.
Joe is survived, and will be greatly missed by Audrey, Hannah, and Roxanne Kammerer, his mother, Joan, his best friend and older brother, Bob, his brothers Tim and Sam, and his sister, Jenny, who may finally rest from his teasing. He is additionally survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews who loved and admired the uncle and man Joe was. His love and legacy of passion for life and compassion for all will survive in each and every person he knew.
60 years young. A celebration of his awesome life will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor on Friday, June 28, 2019 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Please use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, please love your family and/or contribute to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Ride on, Joe, Ride on and ALWAYS wear your helmet!
In Loving Memory
Dear Kammerer Family, I am very sorry for your loss. I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing. Before he got moved out to work on the Mountain View Corridor, I worked with him on many projects when he was stationed at Region 2. I always looked forward to collaborating with him. He made working for UDOT fun. His quick wit and infectious laugh always put others at ease. His dedication to quality most definitely improved the State's infrastructure. He will be missed and is irreplaceable. Sincerely, Matt Rink
In the week before Joe's passing I had written a note and had hoped to get it to him. I'm not sure if it ever made it, so I provide it here to his family. May you find comfort in your memories of Joe and in knowing his great impact for good in the world. "Joe, I was recently reading an article that was outlining the author's top three life hacks that no one talks about. The first one was so simple, and yet so profound. She said, if you have a problem, ask everyone you encounter to give you their opinion. The basic point was that people love giving opinions, and you can discover solutions you never thought of by simply getting others to tell you their solutions. Need to plan a party for your wife but don't know what to do? Ask everyone's opinion. Need a vacation but don't know where to go? Ask everyone's opinion. Have an empty field you don't know what to do with? Ask everyone's opinion. The idea is so simple but it struck me as profound because I think most of us are afraid to engage others and so we often overlook our biggest source of information in those around us. I bring this up because I immediately thought of you, Joe. Not because you're opinionated ;-), but rather because I think you are such a good example of doing this on a regular basis. You are unafraid to engage others in finding solutions. And you do it in such a positive and empowering way. Our interactions over the years have been a highlight of my professional life. I really just wanted to say thank you for being so kind and helpful; and in offering up suggestions and asking my opinion. I have always felt valued working with you. No matter what the future holds, please know that I am thinking about you and rooting for you. You are an inspiration to me and I'm certain to many others. Thank you again, take care. Sincerely, Phil Ellsworth"
Roxanne My deepest sympathy to you and your darling daughters Cece
Dear, Roxanne, I read in the current Judge Memorial Newsletter that your husband passed away last summer. Sadly, words of comfort provide little peace when your life's mate has left you standing by yourself. Yet, some reflections by the little-known essayist and poet Neil Wayne come to mind when I think of you and your husband and I would like to share those reflections with you: "Memories, straight after death, become my enemy, for they remind me I am alone. Memories, long after death, become my savior, for they remind me I was not alone." I hope laughter and happiness fill the lives of you and your daughters once more. Sincerely, Patrick Walters.
In Loving Memory
