Joseph Herman Pontzer

Joseph Herman Pontzer passed away peacefully in the early hours of November 7, 2026. Born the fourth child of seven brothers and sisters to Julia and Herman Pontzer on December 2, 1938, he grew up in Elk County in Kersey, Pennsylvania. He worked his young life delivering groceries and hauling coal in a 1937 Ford pickup before school each morning and then he walked three miles to school in the snow, uphill both ways. 

Always a Catholic and a builder, he served the Latin Liturgies throughout his youth. He built his first cabin in high school, fueling a lifelong passion following in the footsteps of Saint Joseph the Worker. His first job outside of the family grocery store was with Speer Carbon Company. From there he attended Penn State University, where he earned an Associates Degree in Engineering. His first opportunity as a draftsman and engineer came in Ashtabula, Ohio, where he met Carol Jean Krape, his wife of 60 years. Stephen, Amy (his favorite daughter), Matthew, and Joshua were born in Ohio before Joe completed his degree in Industrial Management at Gannon College in 1975. The following year, Reliance Electric moved the family to Athens, GA, where Luke was born, rounding out the Pontzer family. 

Joe was a very active member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, attending daily Mass, volunteering with the school, Boy Scout Troop 326, the homeless shelter, and Christ Renews His Parish. After his first loves, Jesus and family, he loved the outdoors and square dancing. Summers were filled with dirt bike rides, fall and early winter were spent in the deer woods. He was known to say his best investment was his Taliaferro property, where he built 'Pop’s Camp'. The camp, as well as several US patents, are testaments to his ingenuity and perseverance. He was also an ardent trail builder for the Cherokee Cycle Club and the US Forest Service.

Joe’s pride and joy was his family. He leaves a legacy of a strong Catholic Faith, eleven grandchildren, and a reputation for generosity. He is survived by his loving wife Carol and his five children: Father Stephen J Pontzer, Amy Lynn Jones (Bob), Matthew T Pontzer (Cindy), Joshua C Pontzer (Nicole), Luke J Pontzer, and his 11 grandchildren. 

The Vigil for Joseph Herman Pontzer will be on Thursday 11/12, from 5-7pm at Lord and Stephens East Funeral Home, 4355 Lexington Rd. Athens, GA 30605. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 11/13 at 12:00pm at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 958 Epps Bridge Parkway Athens, GA 30606.

Memorial donations may be made in Joseph's name to Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Athens, GA.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.