Derrell Joe Gneiting

Joe Gneiting, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 31st, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 71 years old. Born in Blackfoot, Idaho, to Derrell and Dorothy Jolley Gneiting, Joe was raised with his four siblings: Jeannie, John, Mike, and Tamara.

Joe grew up in Moreland, Idaho, and graduated from Snake River High School in 1971. He excelled as an athlete and was known for his impressive skills on the court. Even years later, when people saw him, they would mention how they had loved watching him play basketball in high school. During his school years, he also participated in rodeo, 4H, and dirt bike racing. He also enjoyed water skiing at Jensens Lake, where he could glide effortlessly on just one ski. He enjoyed church activities and countless adventures with his siblings, including the brothers shooting BB guns at each other, using their own money to buy a pool table, and being chased around by his older siblings.

Joe was raised working hard alongside his family on their farm near Blackfoot and at their ranch in the Salmon area. From his time on their farm and ranch, he developed a strong work ethic, which he carried throughout his life. He spent many years working alongside his parents and siblings in their family business, Bicentennial Wood Stoves. He then continued a career in road construction and later ran an advertising company with his wife. He was dedicated to providing for his family and instilling in them the values of perseverance, hard work, and integrity.

He met the love of his life, Carol, while they were students at Ricks College — the same college that all their children would later attend. He was one of the first people Carol met while at school, and their friendship blossomed into a loving relationship. They were married on December 1, 1976, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple, and shared 48 wonderful years of marriage.

Joe cherished spending time with Carol. One of their favorite activities was going on drives together. Whether they were heading to a new destination or simply enjoying the scenery, those moments were filled with conversation, laughter, and the quiet joy of each other’s company. They were truly best friends and enjoyed spending time together in countless ways. Their 48-year marriage was filled with joy, shared accomplishments, and lasting memories. Their lifelong bond and partnership serve as an inspiration to others.

Joe and Carol created a beautiful family, raising five children: Rhiana, Scott, Amy, Hollie, and Mindy. Joe took tremendous pride in his children and cherished the moments spent with them. Seeing their successes and celebrating their milestones brought him immense pride and joy. As Joe and Carol became grandparents, their hearts grew in size, and they adored their grandchildren. When asked about their favorite memories of their Grandpa, the grandchildren shared the individual moments they cherished most: watching sports together on TV, Grandpa supporting their interests and activities, giving them coins for the claw machine, helping them fish, playing games with them, teaching them pranks, and racing to peel an orange in one piece. Some also fondly remembered watching the northern lights together, visits from Grandma and Grandpa in Boise and St. George, trips to Disneyland, and picking them up for day or weekend visits to Logan. His love for them and his youthful spirit will always live on through the memories they hold. His family was truly his greatest joy and will continue to be his legacy. In his final moments, he expressed that his family was his happy place.

Joe had a passion for many things, especially sports, which he embraced throughout his life. Whether coaching or watching his kids and grandkids, cheering on his favorite teams, or sharing stories of his own athletic experiences, sports brought him closer to those around him. He appreciated acts of kindness and moments of inspiration in sports and other events. In the 1980s, Joe restored the gym floor of the historic Brigham Young Academy in Provo, transforming it into a popular spot where he ran basketball leagues and tournaments that drew former college stars, NBA players, and even a future NFL champion, who also played on Joe’s company-sponsored softball team. The gym’s nostalgic charm was appreciated by many. Joe’s love for basketball further inspired his work with the Utah Jazz to launch youth clinics across Utah; this program was a predecessor of the Junior Jazz.

A cowboy at heart, Joe had a lifelong love for Westerns that often pulled on his heartstrings. He also enjoyed seeing and hearing jets and planes, often taking his family to the Hill Air Force Base Museum. Known for his humor, Joe will be remembered for his pranks and tricks that brought laughter to family and friends.

Joe was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding many callings throughout his life. Some of his favorite memories came from serving in the bishopric at a BYU-Idaho college ward, working in the Young Men's program, participating in various Scouting events, and teaching in the nursery.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jeannie, brother John, and beloved grandsons Joseph and Brody. 

Joe is survived by his wife, Carol; their five children: Rhiana Gneiting, Scott (Amy Joy) Gneiting, Amy Gneiting, Hollie (Cameron) Kuehne, and Mindy (Toni) Gneiting; and eight grandchildren: Trent, Colton, Hank, Bryce, Ava, Kinsley, Brecken, and Lily. He is also survived by his sister Tamara (Mike) Love, his brother Mike Gneiting, and many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends, who will miss his warmth, humor, and unwavering love.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a man who showed great kindness, laughed often, and left a lasting mark on the world around him.

The Gneiting family would like to extend a special thank you to the various oncology and medical teams who supported Joe throughout his cancer journey, the staff at Stonehenge of Ogden, and the doctors, nurses, and staff at McKay-Dee Hospital.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on January 11, 2025, at the LDS Church building located at 280 W 1200 N, Logan, UT. A viewing will precede the service from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Procession and burial will follow the service and will be held at the Mendon Cemetery in Mendon, Utah. This celebration of life will coincide with Joe's 72nd birthday. 

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.