Joe Dean Bilanzich Obituary (1959 - 2010)

“Gone Hunting”Our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Joe, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, January 7, 2010 after a long and courageous battle with diabetes. Joe was born to George and Doris Bilanzich on January 29, 1959 in Murray, Utah. He spent his early years in Murray and attended Judge Memorial High School where he was an outstanding athlete.He married the love of his life, Lori Jean Peck, on November 8, 1980 and spent thirty wonderful years working together while raising their two beautiful daughters, Joelene and Camille. Their unique devotion to each other as husband and wife is second only to their beautiful and unconditional friendship…serving each other in sickness and in health. Though he is gone from her sight…their spirits will never part.Joe was the foundation of our family and his hard work had no limits. Even though he was sick, his infectious smile lit up a room and he loved to mess with everyone! He left this life as he lived it, with stoic courage, steadfast optimism and unwavering love and concern for his family. This legacy will live on in his two young grandchildren, Maggie and Crash, who will miss out on the mischievous stunts he would share with them such as buying matching 4-wheelers and gear when the could barely reach the pedals.He owned and served as President of A & E Generators in SLC where early on he worked side by side with his father and then later with his sister, Julie. He was loved and will be missed by many employees and associates from the “shop”.Joe loved the outdoors, he enjoyed camping, riding 4-wheelers, hunting and fishing. He was passionate about farming with his girls, and he took great pride in teaching them the value of an honest day’s work.He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Georgie.Along with his wife, Lori; he is survived by his daughter, Joelene (Dane) Coggins, daughter, Camille May Bilanzich; his two grandchildren, Crash Coggins and Maggie Bilanzich; sister, Julie (Pete) Keen, (Adam and Angie Keen); brother, Jerry (Susan) Bilanzich, (Andy and Matt Bilanzich); and his late brother, Georgie’s children, Brandon and Jennie Bilanzich. He is also survived by many close friends who he considered a part of his family. A special thank you to John Chiverall for his lifelong friendship and his support in our hour of need.Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 11, 2010, at 2:30 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State Street, Murray, Utah. Friends and family may also attend the viewing at the mortuary Sunday evening, from 5-7 p.m. and Monday from 1:30-2:15 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be held at the Murray City Cemetery.