Joe Goldsmith

Our beloved Joseph R. “Goldie” Goldsmith, dedicated husband, father, and friend to many, passed away on March 1, 2023 at the age of 77.  He was born on December 6, 1945, in Fort Wayne, Indiana and was the son to Oliver and Irma (Staley) Goldsmith.  Spending his early years in Fort Wayne and after graduation, he joined the United States Navy where he proudly served from 1965 to 1968 and was honorably discharged.  He married his lifetime love, Karen McAfee in 1968.  He worked for International Harvester until the company left Fort Wayne, then went onto work for Ottenweller Tool, Magnavox/Raytheon, K&K Tool and Design before being recalled to Navistar in Indianapolis, where he retired in 2004.  He became self-employed using his extensive skills in Millwright, Maintenance, and Welding.  His notoriety and reputation carried him far as he taught welding classes at Ivy Tech in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Elkhart, and Mishawaka. 

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Karen of Hudson, Indiana. Three children Tonya (Peter) LeStrange, Kyan (Anthony) DiVita and Matt (Krissie) Goldsmith, all from Fort Wayne.  He has three grandchildren, Ashton Scheumann and Logan DiVita, Mackenzie LeStrange as well as two great grandchildren, Greyson, and Norah Scheumann.  His family meant everything to him.

Joe never knew a stranger, making friends easily wherever he’d go.  He was always hard-working and most times you’d find him in his garage/barn where he could fix anything and everything.  He loved engines and would help many people at the lake and in Florida.  Joe was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life.  He was an avid euchre player and played cards with many family & friends.  Joe and Karen spent many years travelling to almost all the 50 states.  They also enjoyed antiquing, camping, riding together on their Gold Wing, visiting with family and friends, and days simply spent lakeside.  

Joe was known for his legendary beef roasts, fried chicken, sauerkraut & ribs, and his Christmas Ham.  His humor was second to none, and no one could make up a song, a rhyme, or a nickname faster than him.  He enjoyed gardening, canning and was a huge football fan.  He loved to watch the Fighting Irish and Indianapolis Colts, but he especially loved watching his son, Matt, play football.  Above all else, Joe’s love for Karen & his family filled his days with purpose and joy.  

A funeral mass will be held Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 11:00AM at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Waterloo, Indiana.  Visitation with the family will be immediately following the funeral mass.  For online condolences and guestbook, please visit www.hitefuneralhome.com

Joe’s family would like to thank the outstanding staff at Heart-to-Heart Hospice for all their kindness, care, and compassion through this difficult time.  His nurse, Ashlyn Zeedyk, has become like family as her loving care made all of the family look forward to her visits. We ask that any flowers be delivered to the church and all other memorials please be donated to this location:  

Heart to Heart Hospice, 5646 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804. www.hearttohearthospice.com