2001, Our House on Perry St, Mill Valley
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Joe and Alan Janus and I were the "talent" for the "Carpetbag Theater" in the year following Alan's & my graduation from the University of Iowa.
Almost every weekday we drove to a different grade school in San Antonio, TX, mostly in winter downpours. Sometimes we went to two schools in the same day, to perform a little play based on "The Wind in the Willows". Joe wrote a theme song for us to sing and starred as Mr. Toad. Alan was the Mole and I was the Water Rat.
We did the show approximately 150 times. Now that I think about it, most of the students, (our audience) probably could speak only Spanish. One evening we three met a random person who bought us a drink and listened to us talking about our theater for a long time. He wanted to see the show. We played it at maximum speed on the sidewalk and at least we impressed ourselves!
I will always miss those two young men.
I wish that I could be with you all at Joe's memorial service, but I feel disinclined, more and more, to travel through the air in the current climate.
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I had the honor of working with Joe for I think close to 30 years.
It started with taking part in the CASE conference.
When our respective agencies partnered with the school district, mental health, GGRC, KIDS Project and others to create “Open Gate” / “The Center” we became tied at the hip. We created a wave to promote collaboration and a seamless service delivery system for families starting with assessment and moving through to service delivery. It was so lofty, so full of promise, so nuts and we all worked so hard. It was a big group and everyone brought something to the table. Joe brought his vast knowledge, his unending passion for kids and making sure the system provided the services families were entitled to.
At meetings, there were gazillions of meetings, he also brought his humor and his talents (Including imitating Bob Dylan – he was really quite gifted).
We went through many ups and downs and different iterations of “partnering” to provide services over the years.
It was a wild ride…
He was a very strong spirit, may his memory be a blessing.
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2014, Creekside Friday Tam Valley
An exceptionally warm night. The guys
— with
Joe
and Joe Steve Roger
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Marshalltown, IA, USA
— with
Joe & Jill with youngest son
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Lake Tahoe, United States
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Here is a video of Joe coaching Jake's little league team, the Wildcats! It is hilarous.
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Watch Joe coach Jake's little league team - the Wildcats. It is hilarious
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As both a friend and professional colleague, I worked with Joe numerous times in his role as a Special Education advocate. He was a model of firm kindness. He was sensitive to the realities of educating special needs children while gently pushing the system to stretch to meet those needs. A wonderful professional, friend, and man.
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Joe and I met in about 1985 when I started working on Disability Rights and we collaborated on ensuring that students with disabilities received the integrated educational opportunities to which they were entitled. It was always enjoyable working with Joe. I retired years ago and then in 2023 I reconnected with Joe at backyard music events held by his close friends in Mill Valley. It was a treat to be together again for several afternoons. May Joe's memory be a blessing and bring smiles to the hearts of his family & Friends❣️❣️❣️ I tried to include a photo of Joe and I from 2023 but I am not sure where it went??
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I knew Joe through my work at DRC. We met in about 1987 or so and over the years interacted on special education and the Special Education Rights and Responsibilities. I had polio as a child and we bonded over polio since his parents had had polio too. He was so very dedicated to making sure children had access to education and was an extremely kind and funny individual. I've long since retired from DRC, but Joe's memory has stayed with me. Condolences and hugs to his family.
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2024, Mill Valley, CA, USA
A great time was had by all!
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Dear Jill, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. He was so kind to me when I was living in SF, and I remember fondly sepnding time with you and your family. I enjoyed being in your company and watching the two of you as it was evident how much love and respect you had for each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Claire
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Uncle Joe was an amazing individual that I’ve always had the upmost respect for. Although our families didn’t get together much after the passing of Grandpa and Grandma Holtz, it was always a true pleasure when we did have opportunities to connect. Uncle Joe had so many qualities that made him a true gem, and I can only hope to live life as freely and joyously as he did. Much love to you all and we are honored to celebrate the life of uncle Joe in March
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