Died Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Nebraska Medicine
Joe was born to Loy and DoraLee Dooling in Kansas City, KS. At a young age the family moved to Missouri and then to Jackson, MS., where he spent his time with many family members until he moved to St. Michael's Farm for boys in Picayune, MS at the age of 15. At 17 years old, his loving Aunt and Uncle Sam and Wilma Martin brought him to their home in Omaha where he received love, direction and support. He graduated from Bryan High School in the Centennial year of 1976. He enlisted in the miltary but before he could get started he broke his shoulder and was medically discharged. Not long after he found his life's career in the Water Well industry, working for Layne Wester/Christensen Co., now known as Layne A Granite Co. Joe became an expert in the field, handling water well services from the ground to the treatment facility.
Joe married Tina in 1984 and had a son Joe Jr. in 1990. Joe dealt with illness for many years but never slowed down, continuing what he did best, providing for his family. He had a strong sense of humor and loved spending time with his family and friends. His favorite things were watching football (Boomer Sooner), playing basketball, boating, bowling, camping (where he could build the biggest fire),going to his son's sporting activities, dominos with family on Saturday mornings where he would eat Oh So many home made corncakes, working in his yard and keeping up with his home renovations. He would always find a way to do it himself. In the end he continued to gives as a tissue donor.
Joe is survived by his wife Tina, son Joe Jr., the Martin Cousins Sherry, Sam's wife Kathy, Ron and wife Patsy, Bill and John. He is also survived by may more extended cousins, nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charlie, Aunt and Uncle Sam and Wilma, cousin Sam and Sherry's husband Scott.
A celebration of Joe's life will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Gifford Tower Community Room (2510 N. Clarkson, park on Reynolds Road and enter the back of the tower) from 11am until 3pm.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(4)
Lisa Kuehl
Elkhorn, NE Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Dear Tina and Joe Jr and Family,Joe will be dearly missed. He was such a joy to be around, and I know I am going to miss working with him. My sincere condolences to you and your entire family. It was an honor to attend his Celebrations of Life and hear and see so many wonderful memories shared about him. Keeping you all in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Chris and Andrew Czerwinski Elaine Eastep
Sioux Falls, SD Friday, May 29, 2026 Dear Tina and Joe Jr. Our condolences, Joe will be missed by those who knew him.Rosalyn Spring
Kansas City, MO Monday, May 25, 2026 Dear Tina and Joe Jr,I'm so sorry for your loss!
Joe was always a great kid and a great guy with our O'Neal family. I probably don't know the half of it.
I'm sorry we aren't able to make it this time. Our prayers are with you and the Martins. Love, Rosalyn
Richard & Maria Szablowski
Papillon, NE Tuesday, May 19, 2026 To Tina and Joe Jr: We are sorry for your loss. Joe was well liked, fun to be around as he had a great sense of humor. He was a good Dad and husband, and will be missed. He suffers no longer and now rests in peace with the angels and Our Father in Heaven. God bless.Richie, Maria, and family.