Joseph Anthony Elfrink

The family of Joseph Anthony Elfrink are saddened by his recent death on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 while he was residing at Madison Senior Living Community in London, OH. 

Joe was born on October 6, 1936 to Matilda and Gerrit Elfrink. He grew up on the family farm (London, OH) where he learned about gardening, especially tomatoes and sunflowers, continually growing them throughout his life. 

Joe’s work life included Westinghouse, West Jefferson Schools (bus driver), Casto’s Meats, and retirement after more than 25 years of driving for Yellow Freight Trucking. For many years, Joe was a volunteer firefighter in West Jefferson, enjoying the yearly Ox Roast activities and responsibilities.

During his last few years in West Jefferson, you could find Joe on his daily walks from the east side to the west side, monitoring the progress of various projects happening around town. You may also have seen him regularly sitting in McDonald’s on Main St. with his table of friends discussing OSU sports.

Joe spent the last weeks of his life surrounded by his loving family including his wife, Norma and his children ~ Jarrod(Stephanie), Brian(Kim), Dwayne, Scott(Dee), Kevin(Kelly), Tod(Dode), Mark, and Drena(Rob), gathering for cookouts, camping, and family time. Joe’s family also included 23 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition, Joe was able to spend time with his siblings and their families, sharing stories and memories together: Eddie(Nancy), Mary, Ray(Carolyn), John(Barbara), and Patty(Howard), as well as his many nieces and nephews. 

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Matilda and Gerrit, siblings Rudy and Pauline, his children’s mother and former wife Marcelia, grandson Nate, nephew Craig, and niece Stacy.

There will be no memorial service. The family wishes to thank the caring staff, especially nurses and aides, at Madison Senior Living Community for the kindness and respect they gave Joe while in their care. May he rest in the peace of his own story.

“Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before. They are now wherever we are.”    St John Chrysostom

Online condolences for the family may be sent to www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Anthony Elfrink, please visit our floral store.