Joseph G. Striewe
June 18, 1951 ~ March 5, 2025
Joseph (Joe) Gary Striewe departed this world on March 5, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the age of 73. Born on June 18, 1951 in Evansville, Indiana, Joseph strived for excellence from an early age.
Joe graduated from Reitz Memorial High School (1968) in Evansville and attended St. Edward's University (1972) in Austin, Texas, where he excelled not only academically but also on the baseball diamond. His achievements culminated in his becoming the valedictorian of his class, a testament to his hard work and tenacity.
He received a master’s degree in medieval history at the University of Texas (1974) before beginning a career as an officer in the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably for 20 years. His time with the Navy took him all over the world. Most notably, he served in Germany for four years and held the esteemed position as the last gunnery officer on the legendary battleship USS New Jersey BB62.
With the same determination that defined his military service, Joe practiced law through his final days. His legal career was yet another testament to his commitment to serving others and trying to right the wrongs in the world.
In his free time, Joe continued to play baseball in adult leagues well into his 60s. He also volunteered as a pitching coach, where he found joy in teaching young athletes the fundamentals of baseball. As a celebration of his German heritage, Joe took pride in brewing traditional beer, which he loved to share with friends while sitting in his “Biergarten”. He was a man of strong Catholic faith who enjoyed time-honored Latin masses and found comfort in praying the rosary.
Joseph is survived by his wife Ann Rovegno Striewe; daughters Kathryn Striewe and Clare Lawrence (Jephunneh); grandsons Brevin Striewe and Corey Lawrence; siblings James Striewe (Marla), Jennifer Martin (Fred), Julie Robinson (Jerry, deceased); and six nieces and nephews.
Joseph is preceded in death by his parents Edward Striewe and Mildred Handschiegl Striewe.
A memorial mass for Joseph will be held on Saturday, March 15th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Evansville, Indiana at 10 a.m. with visitation starting at 9 a.m. (Central time).
Joe’s memory will forever remain alive in the hearts of those he inspired and held dear. His spirit, enthusiasm for life, and enduring love for beer and baseball will echo profoundly throughout the lives of all he encountered. As we celebrate his incredible journey, we cherish his memory, knowing that he is at peace and forever watching over his loved ones from above.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Little Sisters of the Poor.
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Hugs & prayers to you, Julie,& your family.
Joe has sadly joined Ted but I’m sure they are happily retelling tales of naval and German history with his famous beer in hand.
You, Katy and Claire are strong, brave Christian women who will continue to be blessed by our Lord and Savior as He comforts and gives you peace. His arms will surround you in your sadness and bring you wisdom
We love you all.
We will miss Joe. Sorry I can’t make your service. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I’m so sad to know Joe is not with us here on earth, but know that there just HAS to be a beer garden in Heaven where he is sipping happily with the angels and saints. I so deeply appreciated the continued friendship we shared and will miss his backyard phone calls and our wonderful conversations.
The members of the USS New Jersey Veterans Association are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of our shipmate, Joe. We join with so many others who knew Joe in offering our deepest sympathy on his passing. Although it is of little consolation at this sad time, it should be of some satisfaction to know that in his passing, you can celebrate the end of a wonderfully productive life.
The measure of a life well-lived is not in how much wealth, or what possessions they have accumulated, but rather through the lives they touched and the sorrow they leave behind. If the outpouring of sympathy on his loss is any indication, and it most certainly is, you can proudly and confidently say that his life was indeed, a life well-lived.
May you find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew and loved him. May he have “Fair Winds and Following Seas” on his journey to the Lord.
Sincerely,
Chuck Oehme
Membership Chairman
USS New Jersey Veterans Association
Best shipmates in USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20)! Neighbors too! RIP Joe, and prayers for the family. Steve Handwerk
Joe Striewe was a pull together kind of a guy. When it came to Reitz Memorial High School, Class of 1968, Joe worked incessantly to pull classmates together for some kind of a reunion. He enjoyed reconnecting with them. He will be missed.