Joseph Rumler was born December 6, 1943 to Ralph and Virginia Rumler. The first of five surviving children, Joseph grew up in Port Byron, Illinois enjoying all of the adventures a life on the banks of the Mississippi River could offer. He boated, fished, swam, and skated.

Though he loved the river, it led to many medical complications that created lifelong physical challenges. During his many childhood hospitalizations, Joseph developed his love of reading and a mental fortitude that served him through the rest of his life. He went on to be an active adult, enjoying outdoor adventures like hiking, rafting, and climbing several of Colorado's 14ers.

Joseph began work as a child helping in his dad's family business, the Central Wood and Metal shop in East Moline, IL for $0.50 a day. There, Joseph developed building skills that would eventually lead to him opening his own contracting companies.

After high school, Joseph moved to Carbondale, IL to attend college at Southern Illinois University, where he received a degree in Finance. He also met his wife of 54 years, Elaine. After college, Joseph started his own contracting company, Alpha Builders, and Elaine worked at the university. The couple welcomed son Seth in 1978 and daughter Meghan in 1981.

After many happy years in Carbondale, a difficult economy spurred Joseph and Elaine to relocate their family to Denver, CO. There, Joseph was a commercial contractor until late in his life, taking great pride and satisfaction in his work.

Joseph and Elaine worked together to serve their community through volunteering with Boy and Girl Scouts, CU Cancer Research Society, Summit County Historical Society, and political societies. Always willing to help friends and neighbors, Joseph also spent many hours assisting loved ones with car and home repairs.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Elaine, who cared for him during the illnesses of his latter years. He is also survived by his children and grandchildren; son Seth Rumler and daughter-in-law Crystal Rumler (née Elwess), grandchildren Ellysen Rumler, and West Rumler; daughter Meghan Von Tilius (née Rumler), son-in-law David Von Tilius, grandchildren Jex Von Tilius, Alton Von Tilius, and Everett Von Tilius. Joseph also had three remaining siblings, Paul Rumler, John Rumler, and Suzanne Edmondson (née Rumler).

Memorial service will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11:00am at Holiday Inn Lakewood.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to www.americanbrainfoundation.org in his name.