Funeral services for Joseph “Joe” W. Counselor were held at 11 a.m., Monday, December 8, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, SD, with Pastor Philip Henning officiating. Music for the service was provided by Randy Sachtjen Interment was at the Herrick Cemetery in Herrick, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Joe was born December 27, 1944, in Guymon, OK, to Arthur and Velma (Reno) Counselor. The family moved to Dubois, WY, in 1946. They later moved to Shoshoni, WY, where he graduated high school in 1962. Joe married Christina (Williams) July 25, 1965. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1972 and began his career with the United States Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) that year. He held positions as county executive director in Gillette, WY, and Harrison and Chadron, NE. After becoming district director, he moved to Ogallala and Hastings, NE. He retired in June 2005.
Joe was baptized and later confirmed in the Lutheran Church, and he was a faithful member of churches wherever he lived. He served in various offices in the church and taught adult Bible study classes. He loved camping, particularly in the mountains near Dubois, WY. He enjoyed golfing and spending time with beloved family members.
Joseph W. Counselor, age 80, passed away on December 1, 2025. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Christina; daughters; Karma (William/Skeeter) Schwader of Herrick, SD, Erika (Scott) Moncrief of Cheyenne, WY, and Rachel (Matt) Holte of Seward, NE; his wife’s six siblings and their spouses; and many nephews and nieces.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Raye Armour, and grandson Gunnar Holte.
Memorials are suggested to Orphan Grain Train of Norfolk, NE, The Kirby Place at the Walsh Village in Sioux Falls, SD, which provides housing for families and patients to stay during cancer treatments, or donor’s choice.
